NEW DELHI — India has once again asked the Italian government to probe alleged irregularities in a contract for 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland. The Italian defense firm has denied the allegations.

Virgin Atlantic President Richard Branson, announcing the resumption of London-Mumbai flights after a three-year hiatus, says he is open to investment opportunities in Indian carriers. “Now foreign companies have been allowed to pick up 49%, so we are keeping our eyes open. It’s a brave battle going on in the Indian aviation space now. Everybody is bleeding. There will be a right time, and we will watch,” Branson says.

Employees at India’s beleaguered Kingfisher Airlines yesterday ended their weeks-long strike after management ensured payment of months of unpaid salaries by the end of this year. “The airline’s protesting pilots and engineers have agreed to resume duty from Oct. 26, having accepted management’s proposal to disburse salary for the month of March in 24 hours and for April by Oct. 30. The salary for the month of May will be paid by Nov. 13,” says CEO Sanjay Aggarwal in a statement.