Author: Neel Achary

Finnair becomes the first airline globally to create a ‘Native Order’ powered by Amadeus technology

New Delhi, 14 May 2025: Leading Nordic airline, Finnair, has gone live with the world’s first ‘Native Order’, as it continues to pioneer the industry with digital innovations and modern retailing capabilities.

 On Monday 5 May, Finnair’s CEO, Turkka Kuusisto, created the first native order in the world, on Finnair.com – Finland’s largest eCommerce store – booking a flight from Finnair’s Helsinki hub to London Heathrow.

 Native orders are a foundational retailing capability that allow airlines to manage customer orders directly in a single record – aligned with IATA One Order directives – and a cornerstone for the traveler centric retailing transformation in the airline industry.

 As the first airline globally to transition to this new model, Finnair is spearheading the industry-wide technology transformation from PNRs to ‘Offers and Orders’, paving the way for modern retailing and ultimately, a better experience for airline customers.

 Finnair partnered with Amadeus, leading travel technology provider, to become the launch customer for Amadeus Nevio, an Offer and Order based solution built on modular and open technology. This collaboration reinforces Amadeus’ commitment to delivering advanced retailing capabilities and the company’s readiness to support pioneering airlines, like Finnair, with the transformation to offers and orders.

 The move marks an important step in the transition from the Passenger Name Records (PNRs) and e-tickets issued today, towards the new Offers and Orders model. Bringing together all the necessary information, from flight details, services, preferences and personal information, an order will now combine the currently separate documents to create a simple, integrated customer record.

 By doing this, Finnair aims to further modernise and simplify its processes across customer journeys, while also facilitating easier communication between the airline and its partners.

 Other benefits of this industry-leading move include the ability to create personalised, frictionless experiences for customers at every touchpoint, giving Finnair the freedom, agility and security to transform, differentiate, and boost its business.

 Tiina Vesterinen, Finnair VP Digital Customer and Revenue, said: “The move to Offers and Orders supports our move towards modern retailing, enabling, for example, dynamic product bundles and enhanced ancillary sales, and improved relevancy to customers with personalisation in the future.”

 “This is a massive technological transformation, where everything changes: architecture, integration, data, applications, processes, ways of working. However, it is even more of a business transformation enabling us to re-think how we best serve our customers in the digital channels.”

 “We are excited about the opportunities that the change brings us and encourage all the parties in the industry to join the transformation.”

 Cyril Tetaz, EVP Airline Solutions at Amadeus, commented: “Amadeus and Finnair have reached a key milestone in delivering more traveler-centric air travel by implementing a single order management system.”

 “This innovation brings the shopping basket concept to the airline industry, connecting any travel service such as air, transfer, or hotel into a single record. Orders are the foundation that enable a truly connected journey. This is a significant step forward in the retailing transformation and showcases our commitment to investing in and delivering advanced technology solutions for our customers. We’re turning vision into reality.”

 Finnair has been successfully driving direct engagement and modernized distribution for years, successfully driving the New Distribution Capability (NDC) adoption across markets.
Having invested in direct channels and NDC (New Distribution Capability), Finnair aspires to transition to modern digital distribution enabling customers to choose relevant services for their travel according to their needs and preferences.

 With further advancements expected in the coming years, Finnair aims to bring further value to its business and customers in each phase of the programme.

Techno Billion AI Unveils ‘Indira AI’ — India’s First AI-Powered Teaching Assistant For Schools

Kolkata, May 14, 2025 — Techno Billion AI (TBAI), the ed-tech innovation vertical of Techno India Group, in collaboration with Makerlab, hosted a first-of-its-kind interactive demonstration of Indira AI, an AI-powered humanoid teaching assistant designed to reimagine the classroom experience.

Held at the Techno India Salt Lake Campus, the five-hour session brought together principals, teachers, and primary school students from across Techno India Group Public Schools (TIGPS), offering them a hands-on experience with India’s most advanced classroom AI tool.

Indira AI is a voice-activated assistant powered by OpenAI and generative AI technologies. From hosting quizzes and gamifying lessons to answering student queries in multiple languages and assisting teachers with classroom tasks, Indira AI is built to be a seamless, responsive, and emotionally intelligent educational companion.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Meghdut Roychowdhury, Executive Director & Chief Innovation Officer of Techno India Group, through Techno Billion AI, with operational leadership by Mr Abhrajit Saha, Co-Founder & Director of TBAI.

“This is not just a tech showcase – it’s a turning point for how we envision the future of education in India. By integrating AI into early learning, we are laying the foundation for a generation that grows up with innovation as second nature. Indira AI is here to make learning joyful, interactive, and future-ready.” said Mr Meghdut Roychowdhury, Founder, Make Calcutta Relevant Again and Chief Innovation Officer, Techno India Group.

The event and broader initiative have received strong encouragement from Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, who has been instrumental in promoting futuristic and inclusive educational solutions.

“At Techno India Group, we’ve always believed in giving our students access to tomorrow’s tools, today. Indira AI represents a giant leap forward in accessible, creative, and compassionate learning environments.” said Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group.

“We believe that introducing AI to children in a safe, fun, and constructive way will empower them to be creators, not just consumers,” added Abhrajit Saha. “This is about unlocking curiosity and sparking the entrepreneurial mindset early on.”

The Indira AI workshop also featured a mobile AI lab experience called AI on Wheels, where children engaged in certified AI activities and projects, encouraging them to think beyond the textbook. This event is part of Techno Billion AI’s mission to empower a billion people with AI, ensuring that students, parents, and educators across India become part of the AI revolution, starting from the classroom.

Magellanic Cloud Strengthens FY25 Position with Steady Growth and Milestone Execution

Magellanic Cloud Limited (MCL) is a pioneering technology enterprise, offering digital transformation, e-surveillance, AI/IoT, and drone-based solutions for real-world applications. Committed to harnessing cutting-edge technology, Magellanic Cloud offers transformative solutions to a global clientele and has made strategic investments in IT services, E-surveillance, and advanced drone technologies.

Magellanic Cloud has announced its annual financial results for FY24-FY25, reflecting consistent growth and significant milestones across its group companies. The company reported a consolidated revenue of ₹597.23 crore, marking a 6.57% year-on-year increase from ₹560 crore in FY24. EBITA rose to ₹209.67 crore, representing a 4.22% growth, while the EBITA margin improved to 35.11%. The company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹102.73 crore with a PAT margin of 17.20%, indicating continued operational strength.

Among key highlights, Motivity Labs, a Magellanic cloud subsidiary secured a $6 million contract to deliver tailored IT services and digital transformation solutions for a major enterprise client. Scanalitix, the company’s flagship Video Management System and Advanced Video Analytics platform, continued its global rollout across the United States, Canada, Oman, and Dubai.

The results of FY24-FY25 marked a pivotal moment in the company’s journey with its successful debut on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The listing enhanced corporate visibility and strengthened investor confidence.

This milestone came alongside strong growth across its core verticals. Magellanic Cloud continues to make advances in IT services, drone technology, and e-surveillance intelligence as it delivers on its mission to power real-world transformation through next-generation innovation.

Mr. Joseph Sudheer Reddy, Global CEO of Magellanic Cloud, “FY25 has truly been a transformative year for us at Magellanic Cloud. From achieving key strategic milestones to delivering solid financial results, it’s been an exciting journey. Our successful debut on the NSE is a clear reflection of the growing investor confidence in our vision and our strong foundations. We saw remarkable year-over-year revenue growth of 6.57% proving the scalability and resilience of our diversified business model.”

Coromandel Chemicals Enters Joint Venture with Sakarni Plaster for Phospho Gypsum-Based Green Building Materials

National, May 14, 2025: Coromandel Chemicals Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coromandel International Limited, has signed definitive agreements to form a joint venture with Sakarni Plaster for the manufacture and sale of Phospho Gypsum-based Green Building Materials.

This Joint Venture enables Coromandel to diversify beyond its core agri-inputs business, enhance integration synergies and create long-term value. For Sakarni, the alliance facilitates expansion of its product portfolio, market diversification and reinforces its leadership in the gypsum plaster industry.

Aligned with the Circular Economy initiative of the Government of India, this venture is India’s first large-scale initiative to promote sustainable Green Building Products. The joint venture aims to capitalize on the rapidly expanding gypsum plaster market, driven by a growing construction sector, the rising need for affordable housing and demand for eco-friendly, durable building materials. Phospho Gypsum products have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to natural gypsum by avoiding mining activity, reducing environmental load and contributing positively towards waste to wealth goals under Circular Economy framework.

The Joint Venture also complements the Government of India’s push towards import substitution, self-reliance in raw materials and responsible waste management as articulated under the DPIIT’s circular economy roadmap.

The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be established by the Joint Venture in Visakhapatnam, adjacent to Coromandel’s fertilizer plant, ensuring reliable feedstock availability through gypsum generated as a by-product from fertilizer operations.

Mr. S Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director and CEO of Coromandel International Limited, stated: “The joint venture represents a strategic move for Coromandel in advancing our sustainability and circular economy goals. By creating value from industrial by-products and diversifying into green construction materials, we are leveraging adjacent synergies to unlock new growth avenues. This collaboration also aligns with the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting local manufacturing, reducing import dependence, and supporting environmentally responsible alternatives. By combining Coromandel’s manufacturing strength with Sakarni’s market leadership, we aim to deliver high-quality, eco-friendly gypsum solutions that meet the evolving needs of India’s housing and infrastructure sectors.”

FedEx Powers Chennai Small and Medium Enterprises to Think Big, Ship Smart

Chennai, India, May 14, 2025: Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx”), the world’s largest express transportation company, is empowering Chennai’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to scale innovative ideas and reach global markets through its SME Connect series—an initiative bringing tailored logistics, digital tools, and strategic insights to emerging business hubs.

“As SMEs accelerate their ambitions, we’re matching that pace with smarter solutions, stronger infrastructure, and deeper engagement,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, vice president of marketing, customer experience, and air network, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA), FedEx. “Through our SME Connect platform, we’re delivering more than packages—we’re enabling aspirations for SMEs to compete on the global stage.”

Launched in 2019, SME Connect has evolved from a knowledge-sharing forum into a dynamic advocacy platform. In FY25, FedEx introduced new formats—SAMPARK, ANUBHAV, and MANTRA—to engage businesses in a more personalized way, aligned to their lifecycle and sectoral challenges, and connect them to global opportunities to thrive in this digital age. These efforts also support national programs like Invest India and Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s, One District One Product (ODOP) and District Export Hub (DEH) initiatives, promoting regional export hubs and sector-specific growth in cities like Chennai. To date, SME Connect has engaged over 5,000 SME customers and prospects through 58 editions held across 55 cities in India.

FedEx connects Chennai entrepreneurs to international markets through its robust network, now featuring 23 weekly flights in and out of India.

● FedEx International Priority®: Critical shipments reach key markets in 2–3 business days. *

● FedEx International Connect Plus® (FICP): Affordable international e-commerce shipping across 14 AMEA markets, delivering in 1–3 days.

Furthermore, FedEx is investing in digital intelligence to help SMEs in Chennai simplify operations and improve end-to-end shipment visibility.

● The FedEx Import Tool (FiT) streamlines imports with real-time tracking, digital documentation, and proactive alerts.

● FedEx® Delivery Manager International (FDMi) gives customers flexibility to manage delivery preferences.

● FedEx Ship Manager™ automates label generation and paperwork, while the Electronic With Originals feature speeds up customs clearance with digital submissions.

● FedEx One-Stop Shop (FOSS) simplifies logistics by integrating FedEx Express and FedEx Logistics services into a single, user-friendly platform.

FedEx remains committed to powering the ambitions of India’s SMEs by combining global capabilities with local insights. As seen in its recent digital brand film with Chennai Super Kings, which celebrates bold business dreams, FedEx is championing the spirit of out-of-the-box thinking and helping entrepreneurs turn those ideas into global success stories.

Credit Saison India Secures USD 150 million in ECB Funding from Mizuho Bank

Mumbai, India, May 14, 2025 – Credit Saison India (“CS India”), a leading non-banking financial company and the Indian subsidiary of Japan’s Credit Saison Co., has secured External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) funding of USD 150 million from Mizuho Bank Ltd. under a bilateral arrangement. This development follows Mizuho Bank’s equity investment for a 15% stake in CS India, with an investment of USD 145 million in 2024 which further deepens the strategic relationship between the two financial institutions. The equity stake marked Mizuho Bank’s strategic entry into the Indian market via Credit Saison India, and this latest ECB investment further strengthens that long-term partnership.

This transaction is funded through Mizuho’s GIFT City branch with a 5-year tenor that adds to Credit Saison India’s robust funding mix and enhances its long-term financial resilience. In April, Credit Saison India had secured a syndicated loan of USD 200 million with the participation of Axis Bank (India), DBS Bank (Singapore), and CTBC Bank (Taiwan), and raised another USD 100 million ECB from a major Indian bank. The latest bilateral ECB of USD 150 million from Mizuho Bank further builds on this momentum and enhances the company’s diversified funding base, bringing its total ECB facility to USD 450 million within a single quarter.

Credit Saison India has been diversifying its funding sources through the issuance of bonds and commercial papers, alongside borrowings from over 35 local financial institutions supported by its AAA long-term ratings from CRISIL and CARE. The recent ECB further bolsters the funding strategy, and allows access to capital from international banks and institutions.

This growing pool of funding enables CS India to support a wider range of borrowers through its co-lending platform and significantly expand its direct lending operations, especially in MSME and secured lending segments.

Ms. Presha Paragash, Whole Time Director & CEO of Credit Saison India, said “Mizuho Bank has been a strategic partner in our journey and chose Credit Saison India as its platform to enter the Indian lending market through equity participation. Over the past few years, the partnership has only deepened – now spanning equity, debt, and ECB support. This ECB transaction, after their equity investment in 2024, demonstrates deep conviction in our growth model and long-term potential in India. It also reflects the strength of our multi-product, multi-vertical focused business strategy, and gives us the power to accelerate our plans to scale the business and expand our pan-India footprint.”

Mr. Anudeep Ganguli, Chief Treasury Officer of Credit Saison India, added, “With the latest ECB facility, Mizuho Bank now supports Credit Saison India across the capital stack, debt, equity, and now external commercial borrowings. This is not only a vote of confidence in our business fundamentals and governance but also a significant milestone that firmly anchors our partnership strategically for the long-term. There is a deep alignment of vision and commitment for India together as we move forward our strategy of building a diversified, cost-efficient funding base to remain resilient in today’s evolving macro-environment.”

Mr. Masaaki Kaneko, Senior Managing Director / India Co-Country Head, India Corporate Banking Department from Mizuho Bank commented, “We believe in Credit Saison India’s robust, tech-driven lending model and its vision to promote financial inclusion at scale. We are confident in the company’s growth trajectory, leadership, market potential and governance practices. India continues to remain an important geography for us and we are committed to supporting the aspirations of the growing economy. Driven by strong economic fundamentals, rapid digital adoption, and a large underserved credit market, India presents one of the most compelling long-term opportunities in the global financial landscape.”

Through these efforts, Credit Saison India continues to strengthen its financial foundation to withstand interest rate fluctuations and macroeconomic shifts, while expanding its outreach to individuals and MSMEs in need of credit.

As part of the broader Saison Group, the company is also committed to advancing global financial inclusion by sharing its learnings from India across other emerging markets, including Brazil and Mexico.

L and T secures contracts for Building and Factories Business

Chandigarh, May 14, 2025: The Buildings & Factories (B&F) vertical of L&T has secured large orders from various state and central government undertakings in India.

It has secured an engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) order from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the construction of Common Central Secretariat buildings 6 & 7 in New Delhi. The project encompasses two buildings of 1 basement + 2 podiums + upper ground + 6 floors configuration.

L&T’s scope involves civil structure, finishes, associated MEP services, as well as external development within the site, and operation & maintenance for five years.

B&F has also secured a design & construction order from the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the construction of the State Legislative Assembly. The project scope includes construction of the Assembly building having one basement + ground + 3 floors configuration.

Both these projects are to be executed within a stringent timeline of 18 months.

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 30 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing, and Services, operating across multiple geographies. A strong, customer–focussed approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.