Hope sparks as potential buyers emerge for GoFirst revival
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Hope sparks as potential buyers emerge for GoFirst revival

Three significant entities, including a foreign airline and an Indian corporate entity, have reportedly expressed interest in reviving GoFirst. Multiple sources have confirmed the receipt of several expressions of interest (EoI), which will be evaluated by the committee of creditors early next week. Shailendra Ajmera, the resolution professional appointed by NCLT for GoFirst, refrained from commenting on the matter.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest was October 7. Prominent industry insiders revealed that some strong contenders have stepped forward, offering a glimmer of hope for GoFirst's revival, albeit in a diminished form. While there was anticipation that major players like IndiGo or Air India might express interest, it seems they did not participate. However, at least one foreign airline has displayed interest, raising optimism among insiders.

Time is running out for GoFirst, the former Wadia Group airline, which ceased operations on May 2, 2023. Unpaid employees, left in the dark regarding their salaries, are growing increasingly restless. Additionally, the moratorium period provided by India?s bankruptcy law, which allowed GoFirst to retain 45 leased aircraft, engines, and other assets, is nearing its end. With the winter schedule commencing soon, GoFirst?s flying rights, particularly to the Gulf/UAE, need to be reassigned to prevent a surge in airfares, similar to what occurred on domestic routes when GoFirst collapsed earlier in the year.

The situation is dire, especially considering that many GoAir pilots have already joined other airlines, leaving only about 150 pilots (including captains and first officers) remaining. If a viable solution is not found this time, even these remaining few could depart. The predicament extends to the approximately 3,000 direct employees, who are deeply dismayed by the lack of salary payments, especially during the festive season. Despite the festive atmosphere, their plight remains largely overlooked.

GoFirst is grappling with claims totalling $2.9 billion from operational and financial creditors. Moreover, lessors have initiated multiple cases to repossess their aircraft and engines. In July, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation conditionally approved GoFirst?s resumption plan, allowing the airline to take flight with 15 aircraft operating 114 daily flights. However, this approval was subject to securing necessary funds and resolving pending legal matters with courts and the NCLT. The decision was made following a special audit of GoFirst's facilities in Mumbai and Delhi by the regulator.

Three significant entities, including a foreign airline and an Indian corporate entity, have reportedly expressed interest in reviving GoFirst. Multiple sources have confirmed the receipt of several expressions of interest (EoI), which will be evaluated by the committee of creditors early next week. Shailendra Ajmera, the resolution professional appointed by NCLT for GoFirst, refrained from commenting on the matter. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest was October 7. Prominent industry insiders revealed that some strong contenders have stepped forward, offering a glimmer of hope for GoFirst's revival, albeit in a diminished form. While there was anticipation that major players like IndiGo or Air India might express interest, it seems they did not participate. However, at least one foreign airline has displayed interest, raising optimism among insiders. Time is running out for GoFirst, the former Wadia Group airline, which ceased operations on May 2, 2023. Unpaid employees, left in the dark regarding their salaries, are growing increasingly restless. Additionally, the moratorium period provided by India?s bankruptcy law, which allowed GoFirst to retain 45 leased aircraft, engines, and other assets, is nearing its end. With the winter schedule commencing soon, GoFirst?s flying rights, particularly to the Gulf/UAE, need to be reassigned to prevent a surge in airfares, similar to what occurred on domestic routes when GoFirst collapsed earlier in the year. The situation is dire, especially considering that many GoAir pilots have already joined other airlines, leaving only about 150 pilots (including captains and first officers) remaining. If a viable solution is not found this time, even these remaining few could depart. The predicament extends to the approximately 3,000 direct employees, who are deeply dismayed by the lack of salary payments, especially during the festive season. Despite the festive atmosphere, their plight remains largely overlooked. GoFirst is grappling with claims totalling $2.9 billion from operational and financial creditors. Moreover, lessors have initiated multiple cases to repossess their aircraft and engines. In July, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation conditionally approved GoFirst?s resumption plan, allowing the airline to take flight with 15 aircraft operating 114 daily flights. However, this approval was subject to securing necessary funds and resolving pending legal matters with courts and the NCLT. The decision was made following a special audit of GoFirst's facilities in Mumbai and Delhi by the regulator.

Next Story
Resources

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

Next Story
Real Estate

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement