New Delhi: GoFirst has scaled down its proposed resumption of operations by around 30% following observations raised by DGCA following the recent audit of the shut airline from May 3, 2023. The audit found that the airline did not have enough pilots and other technical staff for the proposed scale of operations, including the high altitude Leh and the number of flights it wanted to operate. Around 13 comments were raised following the audit, ranging from ongoing court cases to funding, refunds and spares.
“Agreeing” with the pilot shortage observation, GoFirst resolution professional (RP) Shailendra Ajmera wrote to the regulator on July 15 that the airline is now “planning to resume operations with 15 aircraft with 114 daily flights and to add flights whenever we are able to stabilize operations and add pilots.” GoA initially presented a plan to resume operations with 26 aircraft with approximately 160 daily flights.
The RP has also informed the DGCA that Go is yet to process refunds of over Rs 500 crore for canceled flights and advance bookings of around Rs 110 crore by the beginning of July. While the regulator asked how it plans to refund this money, there is no clarity yet on it as it depends on resumption of operations and planes achieving a threshold occupancy.
“Agreeing” with the pilot shortage observation, GoFirst resolution professional (RP) Shailendra Ajmera wrote to the regulator on July 15 that the airline is now “planning to resume operations with 15 aircraft with 114 daily flights and to add flights whenever we are able to stabilize operations and add pilots.” GoA initially presented a plan to resume operations with 26 aircraft with approximately 160 daily flights.
The RP has also informed the DGCA that Go is yet to process refunds of over Rs 500 crore for canceled flights and advance bookings of around Rs 110 crore by the beginning of July. While the regulator asked how it plans to refund this money, there is no clarity yet on it as it depends on resumption of operations and planes achieving a threshold occupancy.