DGCA Approves Go First Flight Resumption Plan But With Conditions

Go First, a cash-strapped airline, is on the verge of resuming scheduled flight operations pending the availability of interim funding and the approval of its flight schedule by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Go First may resume scheduled flight operations on the availability of interim funding and approval of flight schedule by DGCA. pic.twitter.com/BvPBqSf8F2

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2023

Resumption Plan Presented to DGCA

In an effort to revive the airline’s operations, the Resolution Professional (RP) approved by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) submitted a resumption plan to the aviation regulator on June 28.

Following this submission, a special audit was conducted from July 4 to July 6 at Go First facilities in Mumbai and Delhi, with a primary focus on safety-related aspects and compliance with the necessary requirements for holding an air operator certificate. The audit also involved the physical verification of arrangements made for the resumption of flight operations.

DGCA’s Acceptance of the Resumption Plan

The DGCA has issued a statement confirming the acceptance of the proposed resumption plan, which was initially dated June 28, 2023, but subsequently amended on July 15, 2023.

However, the acceptance comes with certain conditions, subject to the outcomes of the writ petitions and applications pending before the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and Hon’ble NCLT, Delhi. If these conditions are met, Go First will be allowed to resume flight operations as a going concern.

Regulatory Requirements and Airworthiness Compliance

To ensure the safety and quality of operations, the DGCA has mandated Go First to comply with all regulatory requirements necessary for holding an Air Operator Certificate at all times.

Additionally, the airline must ensure the continuous airworthiness of its aircraft engaged in operations. The DGCA has specified that no aircraft should be deployed for operations without undertaking a satisfactory handling flight.

Adapting to the Changing Circumstances

As the situation unfolds, any changes that may impact the resumption plan, as submitted by the RP, must be promptly notified to the DGCA. This ensures that the regulator remains informed about any developments that may affect the airline’s ability to resume operations.

Proposed Flight Schedule Submission

The resolution professional has been directed to submit a proposed flight schedule to the DGCA. This schedule should be commensurate with the available resources, including airworthy aircraft, qualified pilots, cabin crew, aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs), and flight dispatchers.

The aviation regulator will consider the proposed schedule and the necessary arrangements for the commencement of scheduled flight operations, including the interim funding required for resuming operations.

Sale of Flight Tickets and Ongoing Proceedings

The sale of flight tickets will be permitted only after the DGCA approves the flight schedule. However, it is essential to note that the resumption of flight operations will be subject to the ongoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) at NCLT, Delhi, and any other writ petitions or applications pertaining to aircraft leased to Go First, which are pending in the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and NCLT.

With the fate of Go First hinging on the approval of its resumption plan and the availability of essential funding, the airline’s future remains uncertain until the DGCA reaches a final decision. Stakeholders and travellers alike are eagerly awaiting the resolution of these critical matters, as they determine the fate of one of the country’s prominent airlines.