+
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
Real Estate

Heena Lalwani Buys Rs 1.13 Billion Juhu Apartment

Heena Lalwani, promoter of Aatman Innovations Private Limited, has purchased a luxury apartment worth Rs 1.13 billion in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu locality, according to property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.com.The 9,862 sq ft apartment, located on the 10th floor of Lodha Developers’ Avalon Tower, was acquired at Rs 115,000 per sq ft and comes with five car parking spaces. The deal, registered on 18 August 2025, also included the payment of Rs 68 million in stamp duty and a Rs 30,000 registration fee.Lodha Developers did not respond to queries regarding the transaction, while the..

Next Story
Real Estate

Godrej Buys KPHB Land for Rs 7 Billion in E-Auction

An acre of prime land in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB), Hyderabad, was auctioned for Rs 7 billion, with the Telangana Housing Board generating Rs 5.47 billion from the sale of 7.8 acres through e-auction on 20 August 2025.The auction notification was issued last month, attracting bids from Godrej Properties, Aurobindo Realty, Prestige Estates, and Ashoka Builders, according to Board vice-chairman V.P. Gautham. With an offset price of Rs 4 billion per acre, the three-hour auction saw 46 bid increases, before Godrej Properties acquired the land.Revenue generated from the auction will be utilis..

Next Story
Real Estate

HMDA to Auction 93 Prime Plots in September

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is preparing to conduct a three-day auction of prime open plots across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts this September.According to official reports, the e-auction will take place on 17, 18, and 19 September, offering 93 plots. Of these, 70 are located in the Bachupally HMDA layout, with the remainder spread across Turkayamjal, Kokapet, Poppalguda, Chandanagar, Bairagiguda, Gandi Maisamma, Suraram, Medipally, and Bachupally village.The highest upset price has been fixed at Rs 175,000 per square yard for a land parce..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?