Avatar off to flying start with China Eastern's passengers

The in-flight experience is set to get more interesting as artificial intelligence functions are added to the cabin.

An avatar named Donghang Xiao Ice (China Eastern little ice) took its virtual maiden flight with China Eastern Corp Ltd's MU5117 service from Shanghai to Beijing on Tuesday afternoon. The avatar's task was to revolutionize onboard social communication.

About 95 passengers were invited to test the avatar's services, using Microsoft Corp-designed functions to communicate with it, as well as with the cabin crew and other passengers.