Hope sparks as potential buyers emerge for GoFirst revival

12 Oct 2023 CW Team

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.