GoFirst Seeks Approval from DGCA to Resume Operations with 22 Aircrafts

New Delhi (India), 6th June 2023: Wadia Group-owned no-frills airline Go First has requested permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday to resume operations with 22 aircraft for the next five months.

Go First presented its plans until November, stating that it hopes to resume operations with military charter flights, followed by commercial flights. According to a copy of the plan, the airline management told the DGCA that it has 340 pilots, 680 cabin personnel, and 530 engineers, which is enough to operate 22 aircraft.

In its business strategy, the no-frills airline stated that it requires Rs 12 crore to maintain daily operations and that it had spent Rs 250 crore in the airline in the last week of April.

Go First further stated that it has access to Rs 400 crore in funding through the Centre’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) and undrawn credit.

Go First is also in talks with lenders to secure Rs 200 crore in interim capital. The funds will be used to pay salaries in April and May, as well as to make vendor payments.

According to a top Go First official, once flying operations begin, there will be a consistent cash flow. The executive also stated that the airline intends to pay lease rent and a maintenance reserve beginning in July.

Go First Professional Abhilash Lal has appointed Kaushik Khona, the airline’s CEO, to conduct day-to-day operations and serve as the accountable management. According to persons familiar with the situation, the airline expects the DGCA to approve the plan within a week.

Following a meeting with Go First management last week, the civil aviation regulator requested a resuming plan. According to senior executives, the DGCA also demanded assurances on the availability of pilots and cabin crew for smooth operations.