Go First To Resume Operations From 27 May: Report

Cash-strapped low-cost carrier Go First plans to restart flight operations by 27 May, according to individuals familiar with the matter. As part of preparations, the airline is organising training classes for its pilots starting from tomorrow. 

Due to the hiatus in operations, an online refresher course has been scheduled, which is mandatory for those pilots who have not been flying since 3 May. The pilots were informed about the restart of operations on 27 May in an internal memo reviewed by a media outlet. 

Doubts still remain about whether the airline will be able to operate its aircraft as lessors have terminated lease agreements. The lessors are currently in a legal battle to challenge the National Company Law Tribunal's (NCLT) decision to impose a moratorium on aircraft for the airline. 

Go First has conceived a business plan to restart operations with a reduced fleet of 20 aircraft. The airline was previously operating with 27 aircraft before its grounding on 3 May. It holds significant departure slots at Delhi and Mumbai airports. 

The airline earlier announced the cancellation of all flights until 26 May citing "operational reasons." 

Initial expectations suggested partial operation of flights from 24 May to maintain its air operator certificate; however, the airline is yet to submit a temporary flight schedule to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), according to sources. 

The DGCA issued a show cause notice to Go First on 8 May, requesting an explanation as to why they were unable to run operations within 15 days. Subsequently, the regulator suspended the airline from accepting new bookings and stopped ticket sales. 

Go First's revival strategies indicate a possible resurgence for the airline, which has encountered notable difficulties in recent years. Through the suggested measures, the airline aims to progressively restore stability and reconstruct its operations to resume offering air travel services to its customers.