Go First Backs Emergency Arbitration Against Pratt & Whitney

Go First said it needed an emergency arbitration to be enforced in Delaware for its dispute against Pratt and Whitney (PW), to stop it from going out of business. 

The budget carrier has blamed the engine maker for its financial problems, claiming that it was "forced" to file for bankruptcy due to PW supplying "faulty" engines and not replacing them on time, which resulted in the grounding of approximately 50 per cent of its fleet. 

Go First approached a district court in Delaware to impose an arbitration order that was made in March, ordering PW to assist the airline and to supply working spare engines. 

Pratt & Whitney argued in Delaware court last week, stating that Go First's claims were "unfounded" and that the dynamics of the dispute had changed. 

The engine maker requested the court to put the airline's request on hold or dismiss it completely seeing as PW faces more risks after Go First's bankruptcy protection was granted. 

In response, Go First stated that PW's argument "fails," in a filing with the Delaware court. 

Go First quoted the emergency arbitrator as saying that there is a very real danger that the airline might go out of business unless relief is given, at least with respect to the delivery of engines. 

It added that PW's stay request could cause harm that the emergency arbitration award was designed to prevent in the first place.