Aviation minister: Government aiding Go First, emphasizes the need for patience in the judicial process
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the government has provided all possible assistance to the crisis-stricken airline, Go First, which has filed for insolvency and canceled flights on May 3rd and 4th. A severe financial crisis has been grappling with the airline as the unavailability of Pratt & Whitney engines has grounded over half of its fleet. As a result, Go First initiated voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings before the NCLT on Tuesday.
Jyotiraditya Scindia
Scindia mentioned that the airline has been facing critical supply chain issues related to its engines, which have been brought to the attention of the concerned stakeholders. However, he expressed his disappointment that this operational bottleneck has adversely impacted the airline’s financial position. The minister added that it is prudent to allow the judicial process to take its course.
In the meantime, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a notice to the airline regarding the sudden suspension of flights. Scindia emphasized that it is the airline’s responsibility to make alternative travel arrangements for passengers to minimize inconvenience.
According to a senior government official cited by Press Trust of India, the Ministry is closely monitoring developments related to Go First, including the NCLT’s acceptance of the airline’s application.
While India’s civil aviation industry is thriving, a significant external factor is the cause of Go First’s current predicament: global supply chain disruptions, the official stated.
Go First, with over 17 years of operation, held a 7.8% market share in the first quarter of this year, transporting 29.11 lakh domestic passengers.
Go First released a statement clarifying that it was compelled to take this action due to Pratt & Whitney’s International Aero Engines, LLC, supplying an increasing number of failing engines. As of May 1, 2023, the airline has grounded 25 aircraft or approximately 50% of its Airbus A320neo fleet. Despite Pratt & Whitney’s numerous ongoing promises, the proportion of grounded aircraft due to faulty engines has increased from 7% in December 2019 to 31% in December 2020 and finally to 50% in December 2022.
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