Согласно странице руководства vi в AIX 5.2, это невозможно:
Editing a List of Files: Enter the following subcommands in command mode. If you
need information about the format of vi subcommands, see ″vi General Subcommand
Syntax.″
:n Edits the next file in the list entered on the command line. If
you are using this subcommand from the ex editor, a : (colon) is
not needed.
:n Files Specifies a new list of files to edit. If you are using this
subcommand from the ex editor, a : (colon) is not needed.
Проверьте руководство vi (man vi) в вашей системе, возможно, оно было обновлено в AIX 5.3.