MUMBAI- Go First Airlines (previously Go Air) which shut down its operation and underwent bankruptcy last year in May had a fleet of 54 Airbus A320neo aircraft. DGCA deregistered all the aircraft after repeated requests from the lessor.
Despite deregistration and dispute, the aircraft were struck in the country. Aeroconsultant became the first to successfully return an A320neo to the skies and export it out of India.
Go First A320neo Export
Aviation A2Z reached out to Aeroconsultant to find out how they carried out this transaction and how they became the first to do so. They were quick to respond to our queries. We asked them some questions and here’s the detailed response.
1) How Go First A320neo transaction is carried out?
Answer: The recent export of the Go First A320neo by AeroConsultant represents a critical milestone in the aviation industry, particularly in light of the challenges following Go Air’s bankruptcy in 2023. Here’s an overview of how this landmark transaction was executed,
Initial Challenges and Management Strategy: Following Go Air’s bankruptcy, AeroConsultant faced considerable challenges, particularly with document recovery. The airline had not managed or shared documents properly, necessitating extensive coordination by AeroConsultant with records storage facilities to recover the necessary documentation.
Aircraft Security and Maintenance: A significant challenge was protecting the aircraft from parts robbery and safely inducting it into an MRO for necessary maintenance. In addition to navigating these operational hurdles, AeroConsultant was responsible for the de-registration of the aircraft from the DGCA and its subsequent registration under AeroConsultant’s CAMO. This ensured ongoing airworthiness and maintenance while the aircraft was under MRO care.
Parts Importation and Readiness: Importing parts essential for bringing the aircraft to a Ready to Service (RTS) condition was another critical step managed by AeroConsultant. This process was crucial for ensuring the aircraft could meet all airworthiness standards required for operation.
Airworthiness Certification and Coordination: AeroConsultant coordinated closely with airworthiness authorities to secure a permit to fly based on our airworthiness recommendations. A major achievement involved the Pratt & Whitney 1100 engine, which presented unique challenges. AeroConsultant’s technical expertise allowed us to conduct thorough airworthiness tests that yielded positive results. This allowed us to ferry the aircraft based on the approval received from the airworthiness authority, supporting our recommendation.
2) Why This Aircraft Was the First This particular A320neo was the first to be processed?
Complex Technical Evaluations: The aircraft was the first to undergo and pass rigorous technical evaluations, especially concerning the Pratt & Whitney 1100 engine, setting a precedent in handling the technical airworthiness challenges that arose from the bankruptcy.
Readiness and Ownership: This aircraft was in ready-to-fly condition, and importantly, the engine attached to it was also owned by the same lessor, facilitating a smoother transition process.
Operational and Airworthiness Issues: This project highlighted the many technical, operational, and airworthiness issues stemming from the bankruptcy, demonstrating AeroConsultant’s commitment to resolving these challenges systematically, one aircraft at a time.
Now let us find out some background on Aeroconsultant.
3) Aero Consultant, How it was founded, why, and what does it do?
Founded in 2015 by Neha Mishra, a highly experienced aircraft engineer who entered the field at a very early age, AeroConsultant has established itself as a premier aviation consultancy firm.
Neha Mishra, now the CEO of the company, recognized the need for comprehensive, reliable consultancy services to support airlines, lessors, and other stakeholders in managing their fleets and ensuring operational efficiency.
Growth and Momentum During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rohit Kumar, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, joined Neha Mishra’s journey as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of AeroConsultant. Together, they have significantly propelled the company into a successful global consultancy and CAMO, while also making substantial advancements in the digital field.
The pandemic marked a major turning point for AeroConsultant as it adeptly provided local consultancy services globally, addressing the urgent need for specialized aviation expertise on a regional basis. This strategic pivot not only enhanced their service delivery but also solidified their reputation as a resilient and innovative leader in the aviation industry.
Our Services:
Aircraft Transition Services: We leverage our network of 3800 local consultants in 157 countries, supported by a dedicated team of 40 offsite records specialists. This combination ensures smooth transitions, project cost reduction, and high-quality outcomes. Our services
include records review, project management, data upload, report preparation, and powerplant management, all managed through the AeroPortal digital portal to maintain consultant quality.
Aircraft CAMO Services: We hold EASA and other CAMO approvals for Airbus (A318, A319, A320, A321, A330), ATR (ATR-72), and Boeing (B737NG, B737Max). Our services cover registration, deregistration, phase-in/phase-out, maintenance programs, airworthiness management, ARC, and more.
Aircraft Digital Services: AeroConsultant has a very strong team of in-house IT engineers to cater digital needs of the aviation industry. Our digital products are made to be automatically linked with one another to create an easy and fast connection with your data. At the moment we have three software and are developing more aviation software.
o AeroBOX- This is a records depository based on the IATA ABC folder structure with
enhanced auto-OCR, global access without VPN, advanced search, one-click upload/download & time-limit sharing. The system is designed to be able to search PDF, words, images as well as handwritten.
o AeroOPS – AeroOPS is designed to enhance efficiency across your aircraft’s lifecycle with dedicated solutions for transition, airworthiness, and maintenance.
Transition Module (AI Delivery Binder): Upload records and status, and the AI-powered Transition Module will automatically prepare your delivery binder with precision.
Airworthiness Module (CAMO Software): The Airworthiness Module ensures continuous regulatory compliance and streamlined maintenance planning for optimal aircraft readiness.
Maintenance Module: Our Maintenance Module facilitates effective maintenance management through an integrated work order and techlog system, enhancing team coordination and operational tracking.
o AeroOIL – Our Open Item List software is connected to records stored in AeroBOX
or statuses maintained in AeroOPS. Further, all comments will be transferred to the
linked records and statuses.
If you want more information on Aeroconsultant services and digital products, email them at: sales@aeroconsultant.fr
Finally, we asked them about the 4) Future prospects and what will happen to Go Air A320neo and they replied,
With the successful transition of this aircraft, other aircraft under AeroConsultant’s management are expected to follow soon. Our comprehensive approach to handling the complex scenarios arising from Go Air’s bankruptcy underscores our capability and commitment to navigating through unprecedented aviation industry challenges, ensuring each aircraft’s transition is handled with utmost expertise and precision.
The successful export of the A320neo sets a benchmark and paves the way for the efficient
handling of other aircraft in similar circumstances. AeroConsultant remains committed to
providing exceptional consultancy services, ensuring that all aircraft under our management are
transitioned and exported with the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.
Where will this A320neo fly to and for which operator?
This cannot be answered, it is confidential information for now.
AeroConsultant currently oversees the airworthiness and management of 10 aircraft, providing comprehensive transition services that are crucial during times of operator insolvency.
Will Go First can fly again, what are your thoughts? Do let us know in the comments.
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End of Go First as DGCA Deregister all of its Planes
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