Infosys Q&A: Can AI Help to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation?

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, providing technology-enabled business solutions, software development and outsourcing to support enterprise-scale digital transformation.

The company is focused on helping organisations navigate the AI-first era, combining deep industry expertise with capabilities across AI, cloud and data to drive efficiency, resilience and sustainable growth.

In aviation, Infosys is applying AI-powered solutions to reimagine passenger experience, optimise revenue management, enhance operational performance and support more sustainable practices across the value chain.

Mitrankur Majumdar is the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Services at Infosys, working closely with global aviation clients to translate advanced AI capabilities into practical, high-impact outcomes for airlines and the wider travel ecosystem.

He brings extensive experience in digital transformation and AI-led innovation, helping organisations modernise operations, improve decision-making and unlock long-term value.

Mitrankur shares his insights with Sustainability Magazine.

How can AI boost sustainability in aviation? 

Aviation stands at a crossroads with mounting pressure to decarbonise, adapt to volatile fuel markets and deliver seamless, personalised journeys for a new generation of travellers.

Yet, it is precisely at this intersection of challenge and opportunity that artificial intelligence emerges as a game-changer.

By harnessing the power of AI, the industry can reimagine every flight by slashing emissions, optimising operations in real time and elevating the passenger experience, all while charting a bold course towards a more sustainable future.

AI systems can analyse real-time data on weather, flight paths and aircraft performance to recommend fuel-efficient routes and altitudes, directing reducing emissions.

Additionally, AI-driven contrail avoidance strategies and dynamic route optimisation can help airlines minimise greenhouse gas emissions and meet regulatory targets for decarbonisation.

Ignoring this opportunity risks perpetuating inefficiencies and hindering progress towards net zero goals.

AI also enhances sustainability by revolutionising operational systems.

Predictive maintenance powered by AI identifies mechanical issues early, extending aircraft lifespan, reducing waste and avoiding resource-heavy emergency repairs.

This not only minimises congestions and delays, but also reduces unnecessary fuel usage.

Beyond flight operations, AI can optimise ground services, such as baggage handling and airport energy consumption, by predicting peak loads and adjusting resource allocation, further reducing environmental impact.

In short, AI empowers the aviation industry to operate smarter: using data to make every journey cleaner, safer and more efficient. 

How can organisations balance innovation with environmental responsibility when implementing AI solutions?

While AI drives innovation, it also demands significant energy for training and running large scale models. 

Organisations must address this dual challenge by setting clear environmental objectives, such as investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, selecting cloud providers powered by renewable energy and optimising AI models to reduce computational demand.

For example, lightweight AI models and federated learning approaches can significantly cut energy usage without compromising performance

Embedding sustainability into governance frameworks is equally essential.

Teams should be trained in sustainable AI technologies and organisations should reward innovation that aligns with environmental goals.

Establishing AI ethics boards or sustainability councils ensures that every initiative is evaluated for both innovation potential and environmental impact.

This ensures that innovation is not just rapid but responsible, creating systems that benefit both the organisation and the environment. 

How can AI-enabled predictive maintenance support sustainability in travel and aviation?

AI-powered predictive maintenance is truly advancing sustainability goals in the aviation industry by leveraging advanced digital tools and data-driven insights.

By analysing real-time data streams from diverse sources – such as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) history, flight parameters, crew logbooks and even weather reports - AI can anticipate technical issues before they occur.

This not only reduces emissions and fuel wastage but also optimises aircraft performance and extends equipment lifespan. 

For example, AI-powered systems can detect patterns and correlations, such as flight routes or flying practices that contribute to excessive wear and tear, structural damage or safety risks.

By identifying these factors early, airlines can implement targeted interventions to mitigate malfunctions and ensure peak operational efficiency.

Additionally, digital twin technology simulates critical airplane parts, like engines and landing gear, enabling ‘what-if’ scenarios to maximise performance and lifespan while minimising waste.

A robust digital ecosystem also facilitates predictive maintenance by streamlining workforce scheduling, improving spare parts inventory management and aligning maintenance programs with enterprise systems.

This holistic approach minimises aircraft downtime, reduces fuel costs and prevents unnecessary part replacements.

Beyond sustainability, predictive maintenance enhances safety, reliability and passenger experience.

By preventing unplanned landings and disruptions, airlines can deliver cleaner, safer and more efficient operations while rationalising capital investments through informed repair or replacement decisions for aging fleets.

This integration of AI, machine learning and advanced analytics is paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation. 

Can you explore some examples of Infosys supporting a partner with operational efficiency in aviation/travel?

Infosys has collaborated with a leading European carrier group to establish an Aviation Technology Centre in Bengaluru, a Global Capability Centre (GCC) designed to deliver cost efficient, innovative, technologies for the carrier and its customers.

Leveraging Infosys Topaz and Infosys Cobalt Airline Cloud, Infosys is modernising the carrier’s core systems, enhancing operational stability and agility.

Sustainability is a central to this collaboration, with cloud-based and AI-powered infrastructure reducing emissions and embedding sustainability into the carrier’s digital transformation journey.

For a leading Asia Pacific Carrier - Infosys implemented advanced cloud solutions that streamlined the airlines’ operations, improved data integration and enabled real-time decision-making.

The transformation resulted in better resource utilisation, reduced operational bottlenecks and an enhanced customer experience.

By adopting a scalable and agile cloud infrastructure, the airline was able to future-proof their operations and maintain a competitive edge in the aviation industry.

How can AI boost the passenger experience?

AI is playing an important and growing role in making travel personalised, efficient and seamless.

By analysing real-time data, AI enables airlines to better understand passenger preferences and deliver tailored services, such as upgrades, targeted communications and customised in-flight entertainment.

For instance, AI-driven tools can recommend personalised itineraries, allowing passengers to redeem loyalty points seamlessly for a more rewarding travel experience.

Predictive analytics helps airlines anticipate delays, automate re-bookings and provide real-time updates, reducing stress for travellers.

AI can help tackle this challenge by streamlining ground operations and improving baggage handling accuracy.

For example, airlines and airports mishandled an average of 6.3 bags for every 1000 passengers in 2024. AI can help tackle this challenge by identifying inefficiencies and implementing predictive measures.

At airports, AI-powered systems can also streamline check-in, security and boarding processes.

Self-service virtual assistants, equipped with multilingual capabilities, provide passengers with contextualised and personalised support, improving resource allocation and boosting customer satisfaction.

AI can enhance accessibility by offering real-time translation, navigation assistance and tailored support for passengers with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in air travel.

Additionally, AI can turn waiting time at airports into an opportunity by offering ad-hoc, personalised recommendations for dining, shopping or activities, elevating the overall travel experience.

AI also enables real-time ancillary recommendations, such as seat upgrades, insurance or car rentals, at optimal points in the customer journey.

This not only enhances passenger convenience but also drives additional revenue for airlines.

Furthermore, dynamic pricing and personalised offer bundling ensure passengers receive the best value while airlines maximise revenue.

By integrating these AI-driven solutions, airlines can create memorable journeys, improve customer engagement and foster brand loyalty, making air travel smoother, smarter and more enjoyable for passengers.

How is Infosys working to optimise AI models and infrastructure for greater energy efficiency and reduced carbon impact?

Infosys is committed to sustainable innovation through solutions like the Infosys Cobalt Airline Cloud (ICAC).

This cloud-based offering, enables airlines to scale operations dynamically, reducing reliance on energy-intensive legacy systems.  

By using flexible cloud architectures, computing resources are allocated efficiently, consuming only the power needed.

Our Integrated Net Zero Platform further strengthens energy efficiency by allowing airlines to monitor, measure and mitigate emissions across routes, terminals and ground operations.

By shifting AI workloads to renewable-powered cloud environments and embedding emissions tracking into core analytics models, we ensure that innovation supports decarbonisation objectives.

Infosys demonstrates that high-performance AI can co-exist with a lower environmental footprint, advancing technology and sustainability together.