MUMBAI- Cash-strapped Go First (G8) airline recently obtained two engines from renowned manufacturer Pratt & Whitney (P&W), expecting five additional engines in August.
Wadia-owned carrier, which has faced a challenging three-month grounding, is elated to receive a much-needed boost as it gears up to restart flight services.
Last week, Go First secured conditional approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to recommence operations with 15 aircraft, offering 114 daily flights.
Go First Receives Two New Engines
Presently, the airline maintains a total fleet strength of 54 Airbus A320 family aircraft. But due to engine issues, 28 aircraft remain grounded.
Earlier this month, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) directed Pratt & Whitney to dispatch five engines each month to Go First, commencing on August 1 and continuing until December 31.
In response to observations made by the DGCA regarding pilot training, funding, refunds, and spare parts, Go First has revised its resumption plans. Subsequently, scaling them down by approximately 30% from its initial proposal.
The DGCA raised concerns about insufficient pilots and technical staff. Further rejecting Go First’s earlier plan to resume services with 26 aircraft and around 160 daily flights.
Revised Restart Plan
In light of the DGCA’s observations, Go First’s Resolution Professional, Shailendra Ajmera, submitted a revised plan. The new plan addresses the realities of initiating operations during the lean travel season.
The revised plan outlines the initial phase, which will involve commencing military charter flight services. Before transitioning to scheduled revenue operations, the airline will operate flights between Delhi-Srinagar, Delhi-Leh, and Delhi-Thoise.
However, before resuming operations to critical high-altitude airports like Thoise, Go First will need to conduct proving flights and ensure its pilots are re-certified.
As Go First eagerly awaits the DGCA’s clearance for its final flight schedule, the arrival of Pratt & Whitney engines brings hope for a successful and timely resumption of the airline’s services.
Feature Image: Harsh Tekriwal (@avgeekwithlens) • Instagram photos and videos
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