Go First may return to skies with CFM-powered A320s

Airline eyeing relaunch in July, but before that, it will be facing DGCA audit on 4-6 July

- Anu Sharma & Mihir Mishra

Go Airlines (India) Ltd will likely induct CFM engine-fitted Airbus A320 family aircraft when the bankrupt airline resumes flight operations as these have proven to be more reliable for the airline in the past, two people aware of the development said. “The airline is open to evaluating the CFM option, and preliminary discussions have taken place on the matter in view of the current scenario," one of the officials cited above said, requesting anonymity.

CFM engines are produced by CFM International, an equal joint venture between France’s Safran Group and General Electric Co. of the US.

Go First had a fleet of 54 aircraft when it suspended operations on 3 May. Of these, five A320ceos are run on CFM engines while US jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney (PW) powers the remaining 49 aircraft.

Not just Go First, IndiGo, in 2021, selected CFM’s LEAP-1A engines to power its fleet of 310 new Airbus 320 family aircraft due to issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.

Go Airlines filed for bankruptcy on 2 May, citing unsustainable financial health owing to engine issues. The company has blamed Pratt & Whitney for the conditions leading to its bankruptcy.