Air India Group has taken a major step in its modernization journey by deploying SITA OptiFlight and eWAS, two advanced data-driven digital solutions designed to improve flight efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The rollout is aimed at tackling rising fuel costs and the growing need to reduce carbon emissions, challenges faced by airlines worldwide.

The new technology is now active across the Air India Airbus A320 fleet and the Air India Express Boeing 737 fleet, covering both domestic and international routes. Deployment on Air India’s widebody fleet is set to follow. Together, the solutions are expected to help the group cut carbon emissions by 35,000 tons annually.

“As the aviation industry navigates growing regulatory and environmental pressure, the need for intelligent, predictive solutions has never been more critical,” said Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific at SITA. “Air India’s deployment of SITA OptiFlight® and eWAS is a strong example of how smart digital technologies can cut emissions, save fuel, and unlock real operational value across every flight.”

Basil Kwauk, Chief Operations Officer, Air India, added: “Sustainability and efficiency are core to our transformation into a world-class airline. With SITA OptiFlight and SITA eWAS, we’re taking meaningful steps to modernize our operations, reduce our carbon footprint.”

SITA OptiFlight® uses historical flight data, aircraft-specific performance models, and 4D weather forecasts to optimize key flight phases. At its core is OptiClimb, which provides pilots with customized climb-out schedules tailored to each aircraft. This reduces fuel burn during one of the most energy-intensive stages of flight while maintaining safety and performance.

SITA eWAS complements this by providing real-time weather updates and predictive forecasting, enabling pilots to avoid turbulence, reroute efficiently, and make informed in-flight decisions. Together, these solutions strengthen operational performance while supporting Air India’s sustainability goals.

With these tools, SITA continues to expand its footprint in Indian aviation, helping carriers achieve operational resilience, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 51.28 km-long Bairabi–Sairang railway line in Mizoram on September 13, marking a historic moment for the northeastern state. With this, Mizoram will be connected to Kolkata by train for the first time, significantly improving accessibility and connectivity.

The Kolkata–Sairang–Kolkata express train will operate three times a week, providing a vital link between the state capital and West Bengal. In addition, the Prime Minister will also flag off two more services, a weekly Rajdhani Express to Anand Vihar and a daily express train to Guwahati, officially bringing Aizawl onto the Indian railway map through its nearest station, Sairang.

Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹8,071 crore, the Bairabi–Sairang rail line is a feat of engineering that navigates Mizoram’s challenging hilly terrain. The route passes through 48 tunnels, 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and six road underbridges. Among the engineering highlights is a bridge that rises to a height of 114 metres, taller than Delhi’s iconic Qutub Minar by 42 metres. Adding cultural significance, the tunnels are adorned with local artworks that reflect Mizo heritage and traditions.

Officials emphasized that the project, part of the Central government’s Act East policy, is more than just an infrastructure development. It is expected to bring multiple benefits, including enhanced trade opportunities, improved inter-state travel, and a major boost to tourism in the region. “Through this project, Mizoram, long deprived of railway service due to its difficult geographical conditions, has now been gifted with direct connectivity close to Aizawl,” a railway official said.

Experts believe that this rail link will not only make travel easier but also spur socio-economic development. Raj Basu, convenor of the Association for Conservation of Tourism, noted that increased accessibility will attract more visitors from West Bengal and beyond. He highlighted Mizoram’s reputation as a safe, welcoming destination with strong women-led entrepreneurship, especially in homestays, which is drawing all-women tourist groups to the state.

Currently, Mizoram is connected to Kolkata only by air and road. With this new railway line, the “Land of Blue Mountains” is poised to emerge as a more accessible and attractive destination, paving the way for stronger tourism and cross-border opportunities.

SpiceJet has announced a significant financial settlement with Carlyle Aviation Partners, unlocking $89.5 million in fresh liquidity as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. The agreement includes $79.6 million in cash maintenance reserves earmarked for future aircraft and engine upkeep, along with $9.9 million in maintenance credits to offset lease obligations.

In addition, certain lease obligations totaling $121.18 million will be restructured through the issuance of $50 million worth of equity shares. The settlement also includes a provision allowing a portion of proceeds, if exceeding $50 million from the share sale, to be applied toward offsetting future lease payments. Furthermore, promoters will retain the option to buy back these shares on mutually agreed terms after the statutory and contractual lock-in period.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, said:

“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing restructuring and un-grounding efforts. The support extended by Carlyle demonstrates their confidence in SpiceJet’s long-term prospects. This transaction meaningfully reduces our liabilities, strengthens our balance sheet, and positions us well for sustainable growth.”

The airline’s shares rose 3.84 percent to Rs 34.33 apiece on the BSE following the announcement. The deal comes at a critical time for SpiceJet, which has been struggling financially with more than half of its 54-aircraft fleet grounded, leaving only 21 operational. As of June-end, the airline had just Rs 333 crore in free cash, much of which has gone toward statutory dues such as GST, TDS, and provident fund payments.

SpiceJet has been working to stabilize operations by settling with lessors and restructuring certain debts into equity. The airline also completed a $24 million settlement with Credit Suisse in May 2022. Looking ahead, it plans to induct 10 Boeing 737 aircraft on short-term leases for the winter season, with discussions ongoing for further narrowbody and wide-body aircraft additions later this year.

Despite facing a historic domestic market share low of 1.9 percent and operational challenges including high cancellation rates and poor on-time performance, the Carlyle settlement provides a much-needed financial boost. The agreement is expected to help SpiceJet strengthen its position as it attempts to rebuild capacity and regain competitiveness in the Indian aviation market.