New Delhi: After a much-awaited period, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed lessors of cash-strapped airlines Go First to access the leased aircraft to GoFirst for “inspections of their fleet and carry out engine and other maintenance work as required”.
The single-judge Bench having Justice Tara Vitasa Ganju on Wednesday ordered the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the concerned airport authorities to allow lessors to access and inspect 30 leased aircraft of the Go First in the next three days.
The court further ordered that the lessors must be provided with the necessary access to their aircraft at least twice a month by the DGCA and the concerned airport authorities to carry out interim maintenance till the final disposal of the writ petition.
Justice Vitasa secured the aircraft from Go First and the appointed Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP) from removing, replacing or taking out any part or manuals of the aircraft, except in the case of prior written approval of the concerned lessor.
“After facing closed doors at other forums, the lessors have got the much-needed respite from the directions issued by the Delhi High Court. They will now have access to their multi-million-dollar assets to carry out necessary maintenance,” said Salil Arora, founding member at the law firm AvilLeague Partners.
Adding further she said,” GoFirst or its IRP are now prohibited from removing any parts, spares or records from these leased aircraft, thus reducing the risk of cannibalisation.”
The next hearing is scheduled for August 3 this year.
Now beleaguered airline Go First on May 2, filed for Insolvency Resolution proceedings, blaming it on engine maker Pratt and Whitney for its “faulty” engines. The airline’s bankruptcy filings showed liabilities of more than Rs 11,000 cr on the airline.
