MAM
Airbus to launch in-flight mobile phoning
MUMBAI: A mobile revolution is happening up above the skies with two of the prominent global aircraft manufacturers bringing in on-board mobile phones.
Boeing has kicked it off and now Airbus has followed its arch-rival with the announcement that it will enable on-board mobile phone calls next year.
According to reports, Airbus would offer to incorporate Siemens-made base-stations on behalf of new customers of its 100-200 seater, mid-range A320 family.
The system will be operated and maintained by Airbus subsidiary OnAir. Boeing’s subsidiary Connexion has already said it would roll-out in-flight mobile phone systems during 2006. Both companies’ kit is expected to be available for each others’ aircraft, add reports.
Germany is expected to lift the ban on in-flight mobile usage next year. In the US, the Federal Communications Commission is planning to review its rules on the use of mobile phones during flights.
Brands
Hiili names Sanjay Hemady as country manager India
Media veteran to drive digital decarbonisation push
MUMBAI: Climate tech firm Hiili has announced its entry into India, appointing industry veteran Sanjay Hemady as India country manager to steer its growth in one of the world’s fastest-expanding digital markets.
Hemady, a familiar name across India’s media and consulting circles, will lead Hiili’s India operations from Mumbai. His mandate is clear: help Indian companies measure, manage and reduce the carbon emissions generated by their digital services.
Hiili offers a scientifically validated platform, certified by the UC3M-Santander Big Data Institute, that enables businesses to improve the efficiency of their digital infrastructure while cutting emissions. As organisations race to meet ESG targets, the company positions itself as a practical bridge between climate pledges and measurable action.
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as country manager, India at Hiili,” Hemady said in a LinkedIn post, adding that the company aims to move beyond broad sustainability promises towards precise, science-based decarbonisation.
Hemady brings more than three decades of experience spanning print, television, radio and digital media. He has previously served as chief executive officer at HIT 95 FM, assistant general manager at CNBC TV18, and held leadership roles at MTV India and The Indian Express, among others. Most recently, he worked as an independent business consultant advising firms across media and technology.
With India’s digital economy expanding at pace, the environmental cost of data, streaming and online services is climbing quietly in the background. Hiili’s bet is that carbon efficiency will soon sit alongside cost efficiency in boardroom conversations.
For Hemady, the move marks a shift from selling airtime and ad inventory to championing climate accountability. If successful, Hiili’s India play could make digital growth not just faster, but cleaner too.
