BENGALURU: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has achieved a new milestone with the expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) fleet to over 20,000, doubling its deployment from the previous year. This marks a significant step forward in the company’s journey toward achieving a 100% electric last-mile fleet by 2030. The growth reflects Flipkart’s sustained investments in sustainable logistics and its deepening collaboration with partners across the EV ecosystem.

The expanded fleet now operates across key metro and Tier-2+ cities, including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. It supports the organisation’s broader commitment to the EV100 initiative led by The Climate Group. In parallel with this scale-up, Flipkart has launched a series of programmes to accelerate further EV adoption, including a long-haul truck pilot, pan-India roadshows, digital training for delivery partners, and a data-driven approach to addressing adoption barriers.

Currently, over 70% of grocery deliveries on the Flipkart platform are fulfilled using EVs, demonstrating the vehicles’ reliability in high-density, high-frequency logistics while meaningfully reducing the platform’s operational carbon footprint.

Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President, Head of Minutes & Supply Chain, Customer Experience and ReCommerce, Flipkart Group, said, “We are incredibly proud of our 20,000-EV strong last-mile fleet. At Flipkart, we are always pioneering what’s next. A truly sustainable supply chain means innovating across every single leg. Our new electric truck pilot for long-haul routes is the next frontier. We are building for the future, proving that 100% electrification is possible from our fulfillment centers all the way to the customer’s doorstep.”

Nishant Gupta, Head of Sustainability at Flipkart, said, “Our journey toward an all-electric logistics network is rooted in both scale and substance. Expanding our EV fleet is critical, and we believe true progress lies in building an ecosystem that enables lasting adoption. From empowering our wishmasters with practical knowledge to collaborating with industry partners on infrastructure and product design, we are focused on removing real barriers to adoption and driving inclusive, long-term change. As this transition gains momentum, our responsibility is to ensure it remains equitable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of every stakeholder.”

Electric truck pilot launched to test long-haul EV feasibility

The pilot programme for long-haul logistics, in partnership with Golden Aero Logistics, is a part of Flipkart’s efforts to explore EV viability beyond last-mile deliveries on the Delhi-Jaipur corridor using a retrofitted Kalyani electric truck. The pilot is designed to evaluate the operational feasibility of electric trucks in medium-distance freight, offering insights into vehicle performance, energy efficiency, and turnaround time.

EV100-led initiatives drive ecosystem-wide engagement and collaboration

Further, to build awareness and drive confidence across its delivery network, Flipkart launched a nationwide EV Roadshow in collaboration with OEM partners Revolt and Bajaj. Held across multiple cities, the initiative allowed wishmasters to test EV models, understand available charging options, and address common concerns around battery performance and range. In addition, Flipkart hosted targeted OEM x Last Mile Agencies (LMA) Connects in Delhi and Mumbai, bringing together manufacturers, fleet operators, and service providers for open, solutions-focused discussions on infrastructure, financing, and vehicle readiness, laying the foundation for stronger ecosystem alignment and future commitments.

Empowering wishmasters through digital learning and insight-led interventions

To support its workforce in the EV transition, Flipkart launched the Wishmaster Digital Campaign, an interactive learning platform designed to educate delivery partners on EV100 goals, vehicle operations, charging practices, and sustainability benefits. The campaign also addresses common misconceptions around EV performance across different terrains and conditions. The sentiment around EVs continues to grow positively among wishmasters, as observed in a survey conducted by Flipkart with over 5,410 wishmasters, with almost half of them keen to switch to EVs. Challenges like access to affordable credit, however, continue to remain a barrier.

These developments reflect Flipkart’s continued efforts to integrate sustainability across its operations while fostering industry-wide collaboration on clean mobility. As the organisation deepens its focus on electric vehicles and ecosystem readiness, it remains committed to enabling long-term, inclusive solutions that support India’s transition to a greener supply chain.

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Through this collaboration, SBI has created a customized car loan product specifically designed for Uber’s fleet partners. The collaboration aims to support both new and existing Uber fleet partners, helping them expand their businesses with ease and contributing to the ongoing growth of India’s ride-hailing industry. The integration will enable hassle-free loan disbursement, helping fleets maintain optimal performance. By leveraging Uber’s technology and SBI’s extensive financial services network, the collaboration ensures that fleet partners can manage their finances efficiently and scale their businesses faster.

Vinay M Tonse, MD (Retail Business & Operations), SBI reiterated that “At SBI, we are committed to offering innovative financial products that support businesses across India. Our partnership with Uber highlights our focus on providing tailored solutions to a diverse set of customers. By offering affordable financing solutions to Uber fleet partners, we are helping to fuel the growth of the ridesharing sector, while also ensuring that fleet owners have access to the capital they need to succeed.”

Commenting on the partnership, Prabhjeet Singh, President, of Uber India & South Asia, said, “This partnership reinforces Uber’s commitment to its fleet partners and aligns with our vision of fostering growth in India’s ride-sharing ecosystem. By providing affordable loans through SBI’s customized offerings, we aim to create an enabling environment that provides fleet partners with the tools they need to scale effectively and contribute to the overall development of the industry.” 

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MUMBAI: Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines has won two recognitions at the coveted ‘ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards 2024’, including “ch-aviation World’s 4^th Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2024″ and “ch-aviation Asia’s 2^nd Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2024″.

Notably, Vistara had also been recognized for having the third youngest aircraft fleet in Asia, consecutively for the past two years. Switzerland-based airline intelligence provider and research company, ch-aviation, maintains comprehensive databases of aircraft, along with their operators and owners, from across the globe to determine these awards.

Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “We are delighted to receive these accolades at the ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards 2024 – securing a position in the World’s Top Five for the first time and advancing to the second position in Asia. They are an acknowledgement of our continued investment in maintaining a young and modern fleet to keep our CO2 emissions at their lowest. We thank Ch-aviation for recognizing our efforts.”

Thomas Jaeger, CEO, of ch-aviation, said “Ch-aviation established the Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award to revere airlines worldwide who understand the value and necessity of investing in their fleets, introducing new-generation aircraft that considerably reduce CO2 emissions in the aviation industry and improve fuel economy. Sustainability represents a significant challenge and will continue to require giant leaps forward for the aviation industry. Hence,  ch-aviation has decided to honor them with this award that celebrates their effort. It is essential to say that this Award is entirely based on non-manipulable fleet data. There is no jury or any other subjective parameter involved.”

Vistara’s current fleet, with an average age of 2.94 years, consists of A320NEO, A321NEO, and B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, all powered by cutting-edge technologies and advanced systems that result in a reduction in engine noise as well as nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions.

In March 2023, Vistara achieved an important milestone of operating a wide-body aircraft for a long-haul international flight using a 30% SAF blend, reducing 150,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. Extending this success, Vistara also operated a commercial domestic flight on a wide-body aircraft using SAF, another industry-first initiative. This flight, utilizing a blend of 17% SAF and 83% conventional jet fuel, resulted in a reduction of approximately 10,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. Vistara also became the first airline in India to implement Aerowash, an automated aircraft exterior washing and cleaning solution. Furthermore, Vistara deployed SITA eWAS and SITA OptiClimb® solutions for optimizing flight planning and operations, aiming for a yearly reduction of 15,000 tons of carbon emissions.

Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. The only Indian carrier to feature amongst World’s Top 20 Airlines, Vistara has been named ‘16th Best Airline’ globally, while also being recognized as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth consecutive year, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row and ‘Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia’ for the second time in a row at the coveted World Airline Awards 2023 by Skytrax.

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Under the five-year contract, Heligo will benefit from Airbus’ HCare Initial program, which will give the operator the freedom to replace scheduled and unscheduled components within 24 hours and pay a fixed rate per hour of helicopter flown. This will help Heligo to bring down their maintenance costs and the need to keep a regular inventory, thereby providing them with streamlined operations.

Nayan Jagjivan, Chairman of Heligo Charters Private Limited, said, “We are proud to be the first operator to offer a fleet of Airbus Helicopters’ 5-bladed H145 to ONGC for offshore operations in India. Once these helicopters are delivered this year, Heligo will have the largest H145 fleet in India serving both offshore and onshore missions. The H145 is a modern, multi-role helicopter which is suited for Indian conditions, offering exceptional performance and operational economics.“

Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters, Airbus India and South Asia, said, “We congratulate the Heligo team for being awarded the recent offshore contract with the H145s. This HCare Initial by-the-hour contract that we have just signed with Heligo for their H145 fleet will ensure efficient operations for these helicopters and their maximum availability. At Airbus, we believe in providing the best combination of support and services to our customers and we are proud of our long association with Heligo. This is Airbus Helicopters’ largest By-the-Hour contract with an Indian operator.“

The H145 is the latest member of the company’s twin-engine rotorcraft product range, with designed-in mission capability and flexibility, especially in high and hot operating conditions. Compact in size, this helicopter’s small footprint and large, flexible cabin enable maneuvering in complex environments, such as oil and gas helidecks.

HCare is Airbus Helicopters’ comprehensive services offer, providing superior customer service support in five domains: Material Management; Helicopter Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and upgrades; Technical Support; Training & Flight Operations and Connected Services. With this contract, Heligo’s entire fleet of Airbus helicopters will benefit from the HCare Initial By-the-Hour program.

The services contract signed between Airbus Helicopters and Heligo Charter Private Limited for six H145 helicopters deployed for offshore and onshore operations in India will provide Heligo with enhanced fleet availability and reduced maintenance costs through Airbus’ HCare Initial program. This contract marks Airbus Helicopters’ largest By-the-Hour contract with an Indian operator and highlights the company’s commitment to providing the best combination of support and services to its customers.

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Driver•i’s advanced vision-based technology will propel GreenLine’s eco-friendly truck fleet to the forefront of environmentally conscious transportation, ensuring top-tier road safety. Leveraging intelligent edge computing enables real-time assessment of driving behavior and provides comprehensive insights for fleet managers. Its data-driven approach identifies areas of improvement, facilitating automated and targeted training programs to elevate overall safety measures.

Commenting on the collaboration, Anand Mimani, CEO, of GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd, said, “We take immense pride in our established presence within the logistics sector, committed to decarbonizing India’s logistics landscape. This collaboration epitomizes our collective commitment to pioneering advanced safety standards. By integrating Netradyne’s Driver•i, our goal is to enhance driver safety, fostering a secure environment for our dedicated drivers while delivering superior service excellence to our customers.“

Durgadutt Nedungadi, Senior Vice President, Netradyne, added, “We are beyond excited to join hands with GreenLine Mobility and look forward to supporting their fleet safety operations. Netradyne will ensure a smooth implementation and work closely with GreenLine Mobility to align better to their evolving business needs — and together, work towards creating safer roads and improved transportation standards in the industry.”

GreenLine’s LNG trucks have a significant environmental impact, showcasing up to a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions, complete elimination of SOx, a remarkable 59% decrease in NOx emissions, a substantial 91% reduction in Particulate Matter emissions, and an impressive 70% decrease in CO emissions compared to diesel trucks.

This collaboration signifies a future where cutting-edge technology harmonizes with environmental consciousness, paving the way for a safer and more sustainable transportation industry.

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The 737 MAX-8 aircraft marks a critical step forward towards more sustainable operations. With its advanced technology winglets and efficient engines, it achieves a 20% reduction in fuel use and emissions while also significantly decreasing noise pollution by 50% compared to older models. This also offers up to 14 percent lower airframe maintenance costs.

Earlier this month, Air India Express unveiled the vision for the organization that would be formed with the merger and integration with AIX Connect currently operating as AirAsia India. Both airlines also commenced an interline arrangement covering over 100 routes on their combined network. With a collective fleet of 56 aircraft, these two airlines seamlessly link 44 destinations while serving over 250 routes spanning India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Prior to the eventual merger and integration, through strategic alignment, the airlines have integrated an array of ancillary services and products into their offerings. These include the Gourmair in-flight dining menu, the premium comfort of Xpress Prime seating, and the convenience of Xpress Ahead priority services, all designed to enhance the overall travel experience. Air India Express and AirAsia India also operate a unified website, airindiaexpress.com, enabling users to book, manage services, and check in to flights across domestic and international routes with an integrated backend passenger service system.

Air India Express and AIX Connect, together operating over 300 flights daily across 30 domestic and 14 international airports, offer comfortable seats, Gourmair hot meals, and Xpress Ahead priority services, with the promise of fast bookings, fab deals, and fantastic value on its award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com. Established in 2005, Air India Express is the market leader on routes between India and the GCC, with a network spreading over 34 destinations, including India, the Middle East, and Singapore. In January 2022, Air India Express, together with Air India, was successfully privatized, with ownership returning to the Tata group that had initially founded Air India. AIX Connect Private Limited (currently operating as AirAsia India), was launched in 2014, operating as a joint venture between Tata Sons and AirAsia Aviation Group. The airline flies over 50 direct and 100 connecting routes across 19 destinations in India, offering pioneering in-flight entertainment AirFlix, and a host of exclusive loyalty benefits for members of the Tata NeuPass rewards program. In November 2022, AIX Connect became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India.

The delivery of the first two Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft to Air India Express marks the beginning of a massive fleet expansion, which will enable the airline to expand its domestic and international network. The fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft will enhance the travel experience for guests while also contributing to more sustainable operations. The merger and integration with AIX Connect currently operating as AirAsia India will further strengthen the airline’s position in the market, offering a seamless travel experience across a vast network of destinations.

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PARIS: Air India has firmed up its order for 250 Airbus aircraft and selected an Airbus maintenance and digital package to power the airline’s transformation and growth strategy.

The aircraft order includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets. The airline had signed a Letter of Intent to acquire these aircraft in February 2023.

Air India will also be counting on Airbus to help ensure the highest level of fleet availability with the Integrated Materials Solutions (IMS) from Satair, an Airbus company. The Airbus-powered maintenance solution will ensure that every time the airline needs a rotatable or a consumable part, it is readily available and stocks are automatically replenished. And in its transformation and digitalization journey, Air India will be the launch customer for Airbus’ Skywise Core X3, the latest and most advanced aviation analytics platform. This once again demonstrates the avant-garde cooperation between Airbus and Air India.

The purchase agreements for the aircraft, as well as the Letters of Intent for maintenance and digital services, were signed in the presence of N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, and Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia at the Paris Air Show 2023.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, of Air India, said: “Our ambitious fleet renewal and expansion program will see Air India operate the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft across our route network within five years. We are proud to be working with all our partners, including Airbus, in this journey to rebuild a global airline which reflects India taking a more confident posture around the world.”

“We are excited to be a key partner in the renaissance of the Flying Maharaja. Under the leadership of the Tata Group and focused on new management, this is one of the most ambitious projects in the airline business today. We are proud that the efficiencies, comfort, and range capability offered by our latest generation aircraft will contribute to the process, as Air India reclaims its rightful position as a world-class premium carrier. The Airbus services package is a perfect future-oriented choice that will form a core element of Air India’s transformation,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.

The historic Air India order marks the entry into service of the A350 in India, the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. The all-new, long-range aircraft will help unlock the pent-up potential of India’s long-haul market, its technology, reach and second-to-none comfort enabling new routes and passenger experience with better economics and enhanced sustainability. Alongside the A350s, the A320 Family fleets will be the efficient, versatile asset to continue democratizing and decarbonizing air travel in India – from domestic, regional, up to international levels. Deliveries are set to commence with the first A350-900 before the end of 2023.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient wide-body aircraft in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new-generation engines and use of lightweight materials deliver a 25 percent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions, compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft.

The aircraft offers a 3-class configuration cabin that is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crew the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable long-range flying experience.

The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably seating 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class layout, and as many as 244 in a higher-density arrangement. The A320neo has already set the standards as the world’s most comfortable short-to-medium-haul aircraft that typically accommodates from 140 to 170 passengers, with a maximum capacity of up to 180 travelers. Its environmental performance allows for at least 20 percent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions as well as 50 percent noise footprint reduction, compared to previous generation aircraft.

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