In a bid to bounce back from financial challenges, GoFirst Airlines has announced its plans to resume operations.
The cash-strapped airline intends to relaunch with a fleet of 26 aircraft and a daily schedule of 152 flights.
The company has already submitted its revival plan to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and is concurrently engaging in discussions with financial institutions to secure funds for its working capital requirements.
GoFirst Airlines temporarily halted its flights on May 3 due to ongoing voluntary insolvency proceedings.
The company is currently addressing outstanding payments owed to senior executives and pilots.
With a monthly salary expenditure of approximately Rs 30 crore, the airline has faced the resignation of several employees, reducing its workforce from 5,000 to around 4,700.
Awaiting DGCA Approval
Pending approval from the DGCA, the airline eagerly anticipates the green light for its revival plan.
Once given the regulatory nod, operations are expected to recommence swiftly. Senior officials from GoFirst Airlines have already held discussions with DGCA officials to ensure a smooth transition during the revival process.
Operations to Resume with a 26-Aircraft Fleet
According to sources familiar with the matter, GoFirst Airlines aims to initiate operations with a fleet of 26 aircraft as outlined in the revival plan submitted to the DGCA.
This fleet configuration will support a daily flight schedule of 152 flights, slightly reduced from the previous count of 200 before the temporary suspension in May.
The DGCA had raised some initial queries regarding the revival plan, but the concerns have since been addressed and resolved.
Refunds for Affected Passengers
GoFirst Airlines has taken steps to process refunds for affected passengers. The airline has launched a dedicated website, gofirstclaims.in/claims, to facilitate refund claims.
However, refunds will be issued only after passengers have made payments through travel agents or other relevant websites.
The website is currently accepting information from passengers who experienced flight cancellations until May 10.
