Go First Obtains its DGCA Approval for Resuming Flight Operations

Go First gets the green light to resume flight operations after DGCA approval

On July 21, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) accepted the debt-ridden airline Go First's resuming plan subject to restrictions, including planned flying operations that would begin only once the regulator approves the flight schedule.

"Go First may resume scheduled flight operations pending interim funding and DGCA approval of the flight schedule." Furthermore, Go First has been directed to "ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft engaged in operations, and subject each aircraft to a satisfactory handling flight before deployment for flight operations," according to the aviation regulator's notification.

According to the official, the airline has chosen to resume operations with 15-18 aircraft and 130 flights per day, subject to regulatory clearance, and to ramp up to 160 flights per day with 22 aircraft the following week. According to the most recent DGCA standards, the airline must meet the following requirements to restart flying operations:

- All applicable regulatory criteria for having an Air Operator Certificate must be met at all times.

-The aircraft involved in operations must always maintain their airworthiness.

-No aircraft shall be deployed for operations unless an acceptable handling flight has been completed.

-Any company change that impacts the resuming plan given by the RP must be reported to the DGCA as soon as possible.

-RP (resolution professional) shall submit the proposed flight schedule for DGCA consideration after making the necessary arrangements for the commencement of scheduled flight operations, including the interim funding required for operation resumption, commensurate with the resources in terms of airworthy aircraft, cabin crew, qualified pilots, and so on.

-Scheduled flight operations can begin only if the appropriate interim financing is available and the DGCA has approved the flight schedule.

-Ticket sales will begin only when the DGCA has approved the flight schedule.

-Flight operations will be subject to the proceedings and/or results of the ongoing CIRP at NCLT, Delhi, as well as other writ petitions/applications pending in the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi and NCLT, Delhi by the Lessors of aircraft leased to Go First.

-RP shall provide information as requested by the DGCA from time to time.

Cash-strapped Go First, which has been in business for almost 17 years, ceased operations on May 3. It is going through the insolvency procedure.

On July 10, Go First Resolution Professional Shailendra Ajmera asked prospective purchasers to submit Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the airline to speed up the selling process.

The public notice states that the EoI submission deadline is August 9 and that the final list of potential resolution seekers will be unveiled on August 19.