Air India is developing an in-house digital inflight entertainment platform that will connect seatback systems with the airline’s wider digital services and support over-the-air software and content updates.
Vista Digital Platform is a new in-house software platform for inflight entertainment (IFE) that is being integrated with IFE hardware systems across its fleet.
The airline plans to begin a phased rollout from the second half of 2027, starting with selected new aircraft deliveries before expanding the platform to other aircraft.
Vista is designed to provide a more consistent IFE interface across different aircraft types, while allowing Air India to introduce software features and content without relying solely on hardware changes.
The platform will support over-the-air software and content updates, allowing changes to be delivered to aircraft more efficiently. It is also being designed to connect the seatback IFE system with Air India’s mobile app, website and backend digital platforms.
Air India said passengers will eventually be able to access selected loyalty, travel and booking-related services through the seatback display. The airline’s mobile app will also act as a companion to the IFE system, allowing passengers to browse and curate entertainment preferences before boarding and interact with the system during the flight.
The platform will use passenger profiles to provide continuity between flights. For example, passengers could resume a film or programme from the point where they stopped on a previous Air India flight.
Air India is also incorporating AI-based content recommendations and a location-aware commerce function. A patent-pending “commerce-on-map” feature is intended to allow passengers to discover travel experiences and services associated with destinations during their journey.
The platform is being developed as Air India continues to introduce new aircraft and standardise its onboard digital systems. Its deployment will initially be linked to selected new deliveries before being extended across the wider fleet.
Dr Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Air India, said the combination of open-source operating systems on IFE hardware, satellite connectivity, and AI is enabling airlines to take a software-based approach to cabin digital services.
