Leasing Company Accuses Go First of Cannibalizing Leased A320neo Jets

Ireland-based lessor ACG Aircraft Leasing claims in court files that some aircraft it is trying to recover from Go First were missing critical parts.

The lessor submitted pictures and lists of the missing parts from two Airbus A320 aircraft it inspected to the Delhi High Court, according to court documents seen by Reuters. Parts included engine fan blades, emergency slides, and a sidestick controller.

Go First (formerly known as GoAir) operations have been suspended since May 2, 2023, following the filing of insolvency proceedings at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Delhi.

Multiple lessors have since been trying to repossess their aircraft from the airline. The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has received applications from lessors requesting the deregistration of 54 aircraft previously leased to Go First, The Times of India reported in late July 2023.

Go First blamed its insolvency on issues with the PW1100G engines powering its Airbus A320neo aircraft. Pratt & Whitney, however, said the claims were unsubstantiated, adding that “Go First has a lengthy history of missing its financial obligations.” According to ch-aviation data, 49 of 54 Go First aircraft are equipped with this model of engine.

On July 21, 2023, the DGCA allowed Go First to resume flight operations following a regulatory audit. However, the resumption will depend on the decisions of the Delhi High Court and the NCLT regarding leased aircraft.