Airlines

What factors influenced Go First’s decision to resume flight operations starting May 27?

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Low-cost airline Go First is apparently intending to resume operations on May 27 after filing bankruptcy. The airline has sent out an internal message asking pilots to attend training sessions for an upcoming online ground training course commencing on Friday. Pilots who have not flown commercially since the airline’s suspension on May 3 are required to attend the sessions.

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ET was informed by sources that Go First has developed a business strategy to resume operations with a fleet size reduction to 20 aircraft. Up to May 2, the airline ran 27 aircraft, and it has important departure slots at the airports of Mumbai and Delhi. Even while it is the goal to restore operations as soon as feasible, this will be done on a more progressive schedule.

Due to ongoing engine problems that make flight operations unprofitable, Go First already announced the cancellation of all flights until May 26.

Due to operational reasons, Go First flights until 26th May 2023 are cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and request customers to visit https://t.co/MmBSaBFHPl for more info. For any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact us. pic.twitter.com/H9msWnsONq
— GO FIRST (@GoFirstairways) May 17, 2023

Go First received a show cause notice from the DGCA on May 8 asking them to provide an explanation for why they were unable to conduct business within 15 days. As a result, the airline was prohibited by the aviation regulator from accepting new reservations, and ticket sales were ceased.

The airline, which has recently experienced considerable difficulties, could potentially make a comeback as a result of Go First’s resurrection efforts. The airline hopes to gradually regain stability with the help of the suggested procedures and rebuild its business so it can once more offer its clients air travel services.

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Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.