Go First's Flight Resumption Plan Approved by DGCA, But Conditions Apply

Go First, a cash-strapped airline, has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to resume scheduled flight operations. However, certain conditions must be met for the resumption to take place.

The Resolution Professional (RP) appointed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) presented the airline's resumption plan to the aviation regulator on June 28. Following this, a special audit of Go First's facilities in Mumbai and Delhi was conducted from July 4-6. The focus of the audit was on safety-related aspects and compliance with the requirements necessary to hold an air operator certificate. It also involved physical verification of the arrangements made for the resumption of flight operations.

The DGCA has accepted the proposed resumption plan, subject to the outcomes of the writ petitions/applications that are pending before the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi and Hon'ble NCLT, Delhi. As a result, Go First can commence flight operations as a going concern, but the following conditions apply:

• The airline must ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for holding an Air Operator Certificate at all times.
• The airworthiness of the aircraft engaged in operations must be ensured at all times.
• No aircraft shall be deployed for operations without undertaking a satisfactory handling flight.
• Any changes in the company that have an impact on the resumption plan submitted by the RP must be promptly notified to the DGCA.

Additionally, the resolution professional has been asked to submit a proposed flight schedule, considering the available resources such as airworthy aircraft, qualified pilots, cabin crew, AMEs (Aircraft Maintenance Engineers), and flight dispatchers. This proposed schedule will be considered by the aviation regulator after making the necessary arrangements for the commencement of scheduled flight operations, including interim funding required for resumption.

The sale of flight tickets can only begin after the DGCA approves the flight schedule. The resumption of flight operations will be subject to the proceedings and outcomes in the ongoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) at NCLT, Delhi, and other writ petitions/applications related to the aircraft leased to Go First, which are pending in the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi and NCLT.