Crisis-Hit GoFirst Grounded for Two Months; Flight Cancellation Extended till July 10
Go First, the crisis-hit Indian airline, has announced that it will continue to cancel its scheduled flight operations until July 10 due to operational reasons. The carrier’s fleet has been grounded since May 3, and the decision to extend the flight cancellation comes amid ongoing financial struggles.
In early May, Go First filed for voluntary bankruptcy with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), citing delays from a US-based engine maker as the reason for its inability to meet obligations. This led to the grounding of a portion of its fleet. The grounding of Go First flights has reportedly put pressure on airfares, especially on routes where the now-grounded airline had a significant presence.
Last week, Resolution Professionals (RP) submitted a comprehensive revival plan for Go First to the Directorate of General Civil Aviation (DGCA). Following a meeting with DGCA officials, the Resolution Professionals assured the regulator of their commitment to restarting the business. They stated that there would be sufficient pilots and ground staff available to resume operations.
The proposed resumption plan aims to operate Go First from multiple airports, flying over 70 routes and offering approximately 160 daily flights. If the DGCA is satisfied with the revival plan, they will conduct an inspection audit based on the resumption plan.
The continuous cancellation of Go First flights has raised concerns among passengers and industry observers. However, the airline is taking steps to address its operational and financial challenges. The submission of a detailed revival plan demonstrates Go First’s determination to get back on track and provide reliable air travel services to customers.
While the grounding of Go First has caused inconvenience for travelers, it is essential to consider the airline’s efforts to resolve the issues and resume operations. The inspections and audits by the DGCA will help ensure that Go First complies with the necessary safety and operational requirements.
Go First’s revival plan offers hope for the airline’s future, as it outlines concrete steps and strategies to overcome the current crisis. By operating from multiple airports and expanding its route network, Go First aims to regain its foothold in the aviation industry.
It is important to note that Go First is not alone in facing challenges during these difficult times. The global aviation industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many airlines struggling to stay afloat. Despite the setbacks, the industry as a whole is resilient and has shown its ability to bounce back in the past.
In conclusion, Go First’s decision to extend the cancellation of its flights until July 10 is a necessary step to address operational issues. The submission of a revival plan to the DGCA indicates the airline’s commitment to restarting its business. While the challenges remain, Go First is taking proactive measures to overcome them and emerge stronger in the future. Passengers and industry stakeholders can look forward to the airline’s revival and the restoration of reliable air travel services.
