summary
- Go First and Jet Airways have lost their unique airline codes, making it difficult for them to resume operations and resume operations.
- Codes are essential to everyday tasks such as selling tickets, delivering packages, scheduling flights, and communicating.
- Both airlines are facing challenges, including shortages of aircraft parts, payment defaults and settlement deadlines, which are hampering their recovery.
Indian airlines Go First and Jet Airways have suffered another major blow as they struggle financially to resume operations. Both airlines have lost their unique airline codes, making it more difficult for them to resume operations.
code
Commercial flights currently in operation have an airline-specific two-digit code assigned to the operating carrier by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in front of the flight number. This unique code is what the two airlines are currently missing.
Jet Airways, which ceased operations in April 2019, was previously assigned the following code: 9WGo First (formerly GoAir) was assigned the code. G8, which ceased all operations earlier this year. As Financial Express notes, one of the main requirements for an airline to maintain its own code is that the airline must continue to operate.
Photo: John1107 | Shutterstock
GoFast has been aiming to resume operations since it ceased operations in May 2023, but has been forced to postpone its resumption date multiple times. According to the latest reports, the airline has extended the flight suspension until Tuesday, September 5th.
Meanwhile, Jet Airways has said that IATA stores the code 9W only for commercial operations and the code will be “unstored” once the airline begins operations. Additionally, the airline had previously received a limited renewal period for its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). However, this period will only last until September 3rd.
Purpose of the code
While some may wonder about the importance of the two-digit code, the code is actually very important to the day-to-day operations of airlines. This code also helps airlines sell tickets and reservations to customers, and baggage handlers get the right baggage to the right flight.
Photo: Trikel | Shutterstock
Essentially, the two-digit code is part of the airline’s ID. This code is also used when scheduling flights, correspondence, and documents. The code will be blocked for one year, during which time airlines can request reinstatement of the code if the requirements specified by IATA are met.
difficulties faced
Both Indian airlines have recently faced a series of problems that have hindered their recovery.
In the case of Go First, an aircraft rental company recently discovered that several critical aircraft parts had been removed or missing from some of the aircraft it leased with the airline. This, combined with Go First’s default on payments, resulted in the lessor requiring the airline to return the aircraft under lease.
As airline headcount continues to decline, the loss of aircraft from the fleet also impacts the airline’s ability to resume operations.
Photo: Yatric Sheth | Shutterstock
Meanwhile, Jet Airways had to pay a total of $42.3 million to settle its dues with lenders. The National Company Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has given the airline a deadline of September 30 to settle the payment, the Mint reported. However, this payment was originally scheduled to be paid by the end of August. According to the latest reports, the airline has yet to pay the $12 million that was due by the end of this month.
Do you think India’s two airlines will recover and resume operations? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
sauce: financial express, mint.