Crisis-hit Go Airlines India Ltd will likely induct CFM engine-fitted Airbus A 320 family aircraft when the bankrupt airline resumes flight operations, a media report said. In the past, these have proven to be more reliable for the airline, Livemint reported, citing two people aware of the development.
Cash-strapped Go First's operations have been suspended and the company is undergoing a voluntary insolvency resolution process. The airline is open to evaluating the CFM option, and preliminary discussions have taken place in view of the current scenario, one of the officials cited above said.
In May, Go First suspended its operations and had blamed Pratt Whitney, the American engine-maker, for its situation leading to bankruptcy. The airline, owned by the Wadia Group, had said that the lack of engines made it difficult for the airline to operate around half of its aircraft, resulting in a cash crunch and revenue losses.
CFM-powered aircraft have had a reliable phase of flight operations for the airline in the past. The engines have been rugged and solid as compared to Pratt Whitney engines for Go First. Consequently, CFM engines are being considered, a second person aware of the development said in a statement.
CFM engines are produced by CFM International, an equal collaboration between France's Safran Group and General Electric Co. of the US.
A senior official said the aircraft watchdog directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA will conduct a special audit of the airline's facilities in the national capital and Mumbai from 4 to 6 July before approving the revival plan for resumption of flights.
A senior executive at the airline expressed hope of resuming ticket sales - which was paused by DGCA following the grounding of the carrier - from July 7 or July 8 and subsequent relaunch of the operations from the middle of next month, according to a PTI report. Since July 6th, the airline has announced that it is cancelling all its flights.
The fresh dates for the audit were announced days after senior representatives of Go First's current management discussed various aspects of the revival plan with officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA in New Delhi.
The plan calls for resuming operations with 26 aircraft, including four planes for chartered operations and over 150 daily flights to and from 23 destinations.