By Staff Correspondent
Go First, the Indian low-cost airline which had earlier ceased operations due to ongoing engine issues and filed for insolvency has gained regulatory approval to resume flights. The airline announced flight cancellations and insolvency filing on 2 May 2023, citing significant problems with the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines installed on their Airbus A320 NEO aircraft.
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) imposed a moratorium on the airline on 10 May and appointed an Interim Resolution Professional (IRP). On 9 June, the Committee of Creditors (CoC) approved the appointment of Shailendra Ajmera as the Resolution Professional (RP) for Go First, which was also ratified by the NCLT on 15 June.
Ajmera presented a detailed flight resumption plan to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 28 June, prompting a special audit of Go First facilities in Mumbai and Delhi from 4 July to 6. The audit centred on safety-related concerns, verifying Go First’s compliance with requirements to hold an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and physically inspecting the arrangements made for flight operations resumption.
DGCA has confirmed that Go First has adequately addressed all findings from the special audit. The regulator also accepted the resumption plan, amended as of 15 July, which includes operating 15 aircraft and running 114 daily flights. The acceptance, however, remains subject to the decisions of the pending writ petitions/applications before the High Court of Delhi and the NCLT in Delhi.
Subject to interim funding and approval of the flight schedule by DGCA, Go First is cleared to resume scheduled operations. The airline has been instructed to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft used in operations, and perform a satisfactory handling flight for each aircraft before deployment.
This development is a significant step for Go First in its efforts to rebound from financial hardship and operational difficulties amid ongoing legal proceedings and the challenge of restoring public confidence in its services.
