![\"Aviation](\"https:\/\/c.ndtvimg.com\/2021-11\/2kp564jg_go-first-generic_625x300_03_November_21.jpg?im=FeatureCrop,algorithm=dnn,width=650,height=400\"\/ "\\"Aviation")
<\/div>\nGo First has been asked to submit their reply within 15 days. (file)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
New Delhi: <\/b><\/p>\n
Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday issued a show cause notice to troubled budget carrier Go First “for their failure to continue the operation of the service in a safe, efficient and reliable manner”, and directed it to immediately stop bookings and sale of tickets directly or indirectly till further orders.<\/p>\n
The airline operator has been asked to submit their reply within 15 days of the receipt of this notice, based on which a decision on the continuation of their Air Operators Certificate (AOC) will be taken.<\/p>\n
Earlier, the airline had suspended the sale of tickets till May 15 and has cancelled flights till May 12.<\/p>\n
The Wadia Group-owned airline, formerly known as GoAir, has filed a plea for voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which reserved its order.<\/p>\n
The appeal is aimed at restructuring the airline’s debt and liabilities, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
The first major airline collapse since 2019 underlines the fierce competition in a sector dominated by IndiGo and the recent merger of Air India and Vistara under the Tata conglomerate.<\/p>\n
The airline said in a tweet that it would issue a full refund to the original mode of payment for the cancelled flights.<\/p>\n
The airline said it had to stop flights “due to the ever-increasing number of failing engines supplied by P&W International Aero Engines, which has resulted in Go First having to ground 25 aircraft (50 per cent of its Airbus A320neo fleet).”<\/p>\n
The airline in the statement said a Singapore arbitrator ordered P&W to supply at least 10 serviceable spare leased engines by April 27, 2023 and 10 more engines – one each per month – by December this year. But P&W has not followed the order, the airline alleged.<\/p>\n
“… That order (of the arbitrator) directed P&W to take all reasonable steps to release and dispatch (the engines) without delay to Go First…” the airline said. “If P&W were to comply with the orders in the emergency arbitrator’s award, Go First would be able to return to full operations by August-September 2023,” the airline said.<\/p>\n
Go First said the American aviation firm told them there are no further spare leased engines available for P&W to comply with the emergency arbitrator’s award.<\/p>\n
Responding to the claim, the US firm said, “Pratt & Whitney is committed to the success of our airline customers, and we continue to prioritize delivery schedules for all customers. P&W is complying with the March 2023 arbitration ruling related to Go First. As this is now a matter of litigation, we will not comment further. “<\/p>\n<\/div>\n