Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ The Delhi High Court has authorized the deployment of security personnel for 24-hour monitoring of Go First’s grounded aircraft by its lessors. Additionally, the court directed the airline’s Resolution Professional (RP) to share documents related to the maintenance of leased aircraft, engines, and airframes with the lessors within two weeks. This decision follows lessors’ requests to maintain their aircraft amid concerns about corrosion and missing parts. The court had previously allowed lessors to inspect and conduct maintenance on their aircraft at least twice a week, acknowledging the necessity for ongoing maintenance despite the planes being grounded since May.
Furthermore, the interim order issued by the court prevents Go First and its RP from removing or replacing any parts or components of the aircraft without prior written approval from the respective lessors. The RP, appointed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), is tasked with managing Go First. The airline has encountered various challenges, including the departure of pilots, with reports indicating that only 100 pilots remain out of approximately 500 employed a few months ago. Go First ceased all flights on May 3rd.
The court’s decision is a response to concerns raised by lessors regarding the condition of the grounded aircraft. Reports of ‘greenish deposits,’ ‘corrosion,’ and ‘rusting’ on the leased planes prompted the lessors to seek authorization for 24-hour monitoring by verified security personnel. Additionally, lessors have reportedly sought to de-register 45 planes to retrieve them from the airline.
The RP, responsible for managing Go First, informed the high court that the return of aircraft to the lessors would assist the airline in navigating its challenges. The carrier, which has 7,000 employees, has faced setbacks beyond the grounding of aircraft, including the departure of a significant number of pilots. The decision to allow lessors to deploy security personnel for continuous monitoring reflects the court’s recognition of the need for continued attention to the maintenance and preservation of the valuable and sophisticated equipment, even when not in active operation.
