With rising fuel costs and mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, airlines worldwide are looking for new ways to operate more efficiently. Air India Group is meeting the challenge head-on by deploying SITA OptiFlight®’s advanced climb optimization solution, OptiClimb, and SITA eWAS, two of the most advanced data-driven digital solutions for flight optimization available today.

The rollout is part of Air India Group’s broader modernization strategy and marks a major step in improving both sustainability and operational performance. The 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 will be rolled out subsequently. The tools will help cut carbon emissions by 35,000 tons annually across Air India’s fleet.

“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® is a suite of intelligence tools that help airlines optimize key phases of flight using historical flight data, aircraft-specific performance models, and 4D weather forecasts. At its core is OptiClimb, SITA OptiFlight®’s advanced climb optimization solution, which delivers customized climb-out schedules tailored to each aircraft. This allows pilots to reduce fuel burn during one of the most energy-intensive parts of flight without compromising safety or performance.

SITA eWAS, meanwhile, equips pilots with real-time weather updates and predictive forecasting, helping them avoid turbulence, re-route efficiently, and make smarter in-flight decisions. Together, the solutions give pilots a powerful data-driven edge while supporting the airline’s sustainability targets.

SITA continues to expand its flight optimization technologies across Indian aviation, supporting carriers in achieving operational resilience, cost efficiency, and long-term environmental impact reduction.

About SITA

SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Its technology powers more seamless, safe, secure and sustainable air travel.

With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of over 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Its communications network connects every corner of the globe, and SITA bridges 45% of the air transport community’s data exchange.

In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved SITA’s near-term and long-term emission reduction targets. These science-based targets are pivotal in guiding the company’s climate actions to curtail greenhouse gas emissions effectively. SITA is also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies.

In 2024, SITA acquired Materna IPS, leader in passenger handling, to create the world’s most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel. SITA then acquired ASISTIM, to offer a fully-fledged airline flight Operations Control Center managed service. The company also launched SmartSea to give the maritime industry access to the same advanced technology that is transforming air travel. The launch comes as part of SITA’s growth into cruise and rail, as well Urban Air Mobility, such as Vertiports.

SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.

Featured image credited to Becca Alkema