Go First gets DGCA nod to resume flight operations, subject to certain conditions

The civil aviation watchdog - Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) - has accepted cash-strapped airline Go First's resumption plan, but subject to certain conditions.

In a letter addressed to Go First’s resolution professional (RP) Shailendra Ajmera, the aviation regulator said that it has accepted the proposed resumption plan dated June 28, subject to the outcome of writ petitions by aircraft lessors, pending before the Delhi High Court and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Go First may resume scheduled flight operations on the availability of interim funding and approval of flights scheduled by DGCA, the letter said.

“RP shall submit the proposed flight schedule, commensurate with the available resources in terms of airworthy aircraft, qualified pilots, cabin crew, AMEs (aircraft maintenance engineers), flight dispatchers, etc, for consideration of DGCA after making requisite arrangements for commencement of scheduled flight operations, including the interim funding required for resumption of operations,” the DGCA said, adding that the sale of flight tickets shall be commenced only after the approval of flight schedule by the DGCA.

Other conditions listed by the regulator include ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements for holding an Air Operator Certificate, continued airworthiness of the aircraft to be used for operations, and a satisfactory handling flight before deploying the aircraft for flight operations.

"Any change in the company which has a bearing on the resumption plan submitted by the resolution professional shall be promptly notified to the DGCA," said the directorate in a press statement.

On June 28, Ajmera presented a flight resumption plan to the DGCA, following interim funding approval by Go First’s lenders. The Committee of Creditors (CoC) of the embattled airline including Central Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank and Deutsche Bank had reportedly given in-principle approval to interim funding of Rs 450 crore. As per that initial resumption proposal, Go First planned to restart operations with a fleet of 26 aircraft, with four planes on standby, and operate around 160 daily flights.

The DGCA then conducted a special audit of Go First facilities in Delhi and Mumbai from July 4 to 6. "DGCA has ensured that the findings of the special audit have been adequately addressed by Go First," a press release said, adding that the resumption plan was amended on July 15. The regulator which did a safety audit of the airline’s preparedness has truncated its original plan approving it to operate 15 aircraft with 114 flights daily.

Ajmera had recently invited Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from potential bidders for the grounded airline. The deadline for submitting EoIs is August 9 and the final list of prospective resolution applicants will be declared on August 19, according to the public notice.

The airline operator filed for voluntary bankruptcy in early May before the NCLT, alleging delays on the part of a US-based engine maker for its inability to promptly meet obligations - leading to the grounding of a portion of its fleet.