DELHI- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aviation regulator, has commenced a special audit of Go First (G8)’s facilities as the airline seeks approval to resume operations.
A team of DGCA officials initiated the audit in Mumbai on Tuesday, as confirmed by an executive from the airline.
DGCA Conducting Audit of Go First
The facilities audit will continue on Wednesday and on Thursday. Further, according to the executive’s statement to PTI, the regulator will conduct a similar assessment of Go First’s facilities in Delhi.
The executive further mentioned that the audit report is expected to be submitted by the regulator on Thursday itself.
Go First earlier suspended its flights on May 3. Subsequently, it has extended the cancellation of its flights until July 10, as announced on Tuesday.
Earlier on July 1, 2023, the DGCA announced that it will conduct a special audit of Wadia-owned Go First (G8), which filed for bankruptcy two months ago, to assess its readiness for resuming operations.
The audit is scheduled to take place at Delhi and Mumbai Airports from July 4 to 6. Subsequently, it will primarily focus on safety-related aspects and the airline’s compliance with the requirements to hold an Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Further, it will involve a physical verification of the arrangements made by Go First for the resumption of flight operations.
This move comes as Go First aims to become the first major Indian carrier to resume operations under the country’s insolvency law. It is a feat yet to be achieved by Jet Airways (9W).
The decision to conduct the special audit follows a preliminary review of the resumption plan submitted by Go First’s resolution professional (RP).
Singapore Court Clearance
Creditors and Banks have agreed to inject fresh funds into the temporarily halted carrier, Go First (G8). Still, the fate of the carrier hinges on an upcoming order from the Singapore arbitration court.
Without relief from the court and a directive for Pratt & Whitney (P&W) to replace faulty engines, the airline’s ability to fly hangs in the balance, jeopardizing the entire recovery process, according to sources familiar with the matter told ET.
Challenges surrounding engine replacement and pending payments have led to uncertainty for Go First Airlines. The Singapore International Arbitration Award had initially instructed P&W to deliver approximately 20 engines by December 2023.
However, P&W challenged the order, citing non-payment by the airline and the unremitting global supply chain depletion. The engine manufacturer claims that Go First owes them over $100 million, as stated in their petition reviewed by ET.
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