NEW DELHI- In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other concerned parties to grant aircraft lessors of financially strained airline Go First (G8) access, inspection, and the ability to conduct maintenance on its leased aircraft at least twice a month.
The court emphasized the necessity of regular maintenance for the “valuable” and “sophisticated” aircraft.
Go First Lessors Can Access Aircraft
Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju, in an interim order, instructed DGCA and the airports where the A320neos are parked to facilitate access within a three-day timeframe.
The High Court further imposed restrictions on Go First, its employees, directors, representatives, the resolution professional appointed by NCLT, and others, preventing them from removing, replacing, or tampering with any part, component, or relevant records of the leased aircraft without the approval of the lessors.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for August 3, during which it will address the lessors’ plea for the deregistration of their aircraft.
This move follows a series of petitions filed by approximately eight lessors of Go First, urging the DGCA to deregister the aircraft leased to the airline and return them. The lessors have also emphasized the need for maintenance and repairs for their aircraft.
Observing the importance of proper maintenance and safeguarding the interests of the lessors, the Delhi High Court’s directives provide a temporary solution while the legal proceedings continue.
By allowing regular access and maintenance, the court aims to ensure the preservation of these valuable assets.
Power Planes with CFM
Despite its crisis, Bankrupt Go First (G8) reportedly plans to introduce Airbus A320 family aircraft equipped with CFM engines once it resumes flight operations, according to sources cited in a media report.
The choice is based on the proven reliability of these engines for the airline in the past, as per Livemint.
Go First, currently undergoing a voluntary insolvency resolution process due to financial constraints, ceased flying on May 3.
In light of the ongoing situation, the airline is considering the CFM option and has engaged in preliminary discussions on this matter, as revealed by one of the officials familiar with the developments.
“Based on the airline’s past experience, CFM-powered aircraft have demonstrated reliability during flight operations.
They have proven more robust and dependable than Pratt & Whitney engines for Go First. Hence, the consideration of CFM engines,” shared a second source familiar with the situation with the publication.
DGCA Conducting Audit
DGCA 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.
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.
Feature Image: Siddh Dhuri (@mumbaiplanes) | Instagram
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