DGCA accepts flight resumption plan of Go First, but with some conditions
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has accepted Go First’s flight resumption plan, but with some conditions. The airline can resume operations with 114 daily flights and 15 aircraft, subject to a few conditions.
Go First is currently involved in a number of court cases, including one with its aircraft lessors. The DGCA has said that it will not allow Go First to resume operations until these cases are resolved. It has been operating on a skeleton crew since it suspended operations in May. The airline needs to secure interim funding in order to hire more staff and resume full operations.
The airline will need to ensure that it is in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements before it can resume operations. This includes having a valid air operator certificate (AOC) and meeting all safety standards.
Go First’s aircraft will need to be inspected and certified as airworthy by the DGCA before they can be used for commercial flights. Each aircraft that Go First plans to use for commercial flights will need to undergo a “satisfactory handling flight” before it can be deployed. This is a test flight that is conducted to ensure that the aircraft is in good condition and can be operated safely.
Go First filed for bankruptcy in May 2023 citing the grounding of about half its 54 Airbus A320neo planes to faulty Pratt & Whitney engines. Ever since the Wadia-owned airline has suspended all its operations.
Go First owes financial creditors Rs 6,521 crore. The filing lists Central Bank of India Ltd, Bank of Baroda Ltd, IDBI Bank Ltd, Axis Bank Ltd, and Deutsche Bank among its financial creditors. The airline also owes Rs 2,660 crore to lessors. In its filing with NCLT, the airline says that as on date it has a total of 54 Air Crafts, which are its main assets. Out of these, 28 are grounded due to the non-supply of engines by P&W, and the remaining 26 are operational.
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