View source for Go First

{{Short description|Defunct low–cost airline of India (2005–2023)}}
{{distinguish|IndiGo}}
{{for|other airlines|Go Airlines (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = Go First
| logo = Go First RGB Logo 1 reduced.jpg
| logo_size = 250px
| IATA = G8
| ICAO = GOW
| callsign = GO AIR
| parent = [[Wadia Group]]
| founded = {{start date|2005|11|04|df=yes}}
| commenced = {{start date|2005|11|04|df=yes}}
| ceased = {{start date|2023|05|03|df=yes}}
| key_people = Bhisham Bharadwaj ([[Chairman]])
| headquarters = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| bases = {{ubl|class=nowrap
  | [[Kempegowda International Airport|Bangalore]]
  | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]]
  | [[Kannur International Airport|Kannur]]
  | [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]]
  | [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]}}
| fleet_size = 53
| destinations = 
| revenue = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|4553|c}} (FY 2017)<ref name=FY16>{{cite report|url=https://static.goair.in/media/1765/1-goair-annual-report-2016-17.pdf|title=ANNUAL REPORT 2016-17|publisher=GoAir|access-date=16 May 2018|page=8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516174635/https://static.goair.in/media/1765/1-goair-annual-report-2016-17.pdf|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| profit = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|294.88|c}} (FY 2017)<ref name=FY16/>
| website = {{URL|www.gofirstcirp.com}} (now defunct)
| aoc = 
| focus_cities = 
| frequent_flyer = 
| num_employees = 
}}

'''Go First''', founded as '''GoAir''', was an Indian [[low-cost airline]] based in [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]]. Owned by the Indian business conglomerate [[Wadia Group]], it commenced operations on 4 November 2005 and operated a fleet of [[Airbus A320]] aircraft in an all-economy configuration.

In 2021, the airline planned to launch an [[Initial public offering|IPO]] to raise {{INRconvert|36|b}}. In 2023, the airline faced difficulties with the availability of [[Pratt & Whitney PW1000G|Pratt & Whitney]] engines used on its entire fleet of A320 aircraft, alleging that the problem was impacting its operations. Subsequently, the airline ceased operations on 3 May 2023 and filed for voluntary insolvency with the [[National Company Law Tribunal]].

==History==
GoAir was founded in 2005 by [[Jehangir Wadia]], son of Indian industrialist [[Nusli Wadia]]. The airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of the [[Wadia Group]].<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=https://www.goair.in/menu/about-us|title=GoAir: About us|publisher=GoAir|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> GoAir commenced its operations using an [[Airbus A320]] aircraft and operated its inaugural flight from [[Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport|Mumbai]] to [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport|Ahmedabad]] on 4 November 2005.<ref name="history"/> The airline initially operated with a single aircraft to four destinations, including [[Goa International Airport|Goa]] and [[Coimbatore International Airport|Coimbatore]], with plans to induct 36 aircraft by 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2005-11-04/news/27505646_1_airbus-a-320-wadia-aircraft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101151747/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2005-11-04/news/27505646_1_airbus-a-320-wadia-aircraft|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 January 2015|title=GoAir begins commercial flights|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=4 November 2005|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> In March 2008, the airline announced revised plans to operate 11 aircraft and service new destinations in the [[North East India|North East]] and [[South India]] by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-03-16/news/28435261_1_goair-executive-officer-edgardo-badiali-fleet-expansion-plans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808173959/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-03-16/news/28435261_1_goair-executive-officer-edgardo-badiali-fleet-expansion-plans|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 August 2016|title=GoAir to expand operations in South, Northeast|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=16 March 2008|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> However, increasing fuel prices forced GoAir to cut down the existing number of flights in June 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-07-11/news/27737546_1_atf-prices-goair-neeraj-kapoor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808172232/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-07-11/news/27737546_1_atf-prices-goair-neeraj-kapoor|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 August 2016|title=GoAir to drop 300 flights to reduce losses|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|first=Mithun|last=Roy|date=11 July 2008|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref>

In January 2009, [[British Airways]] was interested in buying a stake in the airline.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-01-05/news/28388603_1_foreign-airlines-domestic-carriers-goair|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808174259/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-01-05/news/28388603_1_foreign-airlines-domestic-carriers-goair|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 August 2016|title=British Air wants to buy 25% in GoAi|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|first=Mithun|last=Roy|date=5 January 2009|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> In November 2009, GoAir entered into talks with Indian airline [[SpiceJet]] over a possible merger, but the discussions ended without a deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-11-17/news/27634208_1_goair-share-swap-spicejet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808175859/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-11-17/news/27634208_1_goair-share-swap-spicejet|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 August 2016|title=GoAir, SpiceJet deal enters air pocket|first1=Mohit|last1=Bhalla|first2=Paramita|last2=Chatterjee|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=17 November 2009|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> In April 2012, GoAir became the fifth largest airline in India in terms of market share following the demise of [[Kingfisher Airlines]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Air India, Kingfisher Airlines market share shrinks|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-17/news/31749511_1_kingfisher-airlines-market-share-flight|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160606065847/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-05-17/news/31749511_1_kingfisher-airlines-market-share-flight|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 June 2016|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=15 April 2016|date=17 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-01-22/news/46462741_1_market-share-second-consecutive-month-star-alliance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125041614/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-01-22/news/46462741_1_market-share-second-consecutive-month-star-alliance|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2014|title=IndiGo market share shrinks for 2nd month in a row in December|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=22 January 2014|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> In 2013, the airline appointed investment bank [[JP Morgan]] to scout for potential investors.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-09/news/39143997_1_goair-indian-carriers-wadia-family|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613192205/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-09/news/39143997_1_goair-indian-carriers-wadia-family|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 June 2013|title=GoAir scouts for partners to sell 49% stake|first1=Sneha|last1=Shah|first2=Manisha|last2=Singhal|first3=Maulik|last3=Vyas|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=9 May 2013|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref>

[[File:GoAir Airbus A320-200 (Brown).jpg|thumb|A Go First [[Airbus A320 Family|Airbus A320-200]] in its former GoAir livery (2011)]]

The airline's growth was slow compared to other airlines established around the same time, such as [[IndiGo]] and SpiceJet, which had larger market shares, fleet sizes, and more destinations served by 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/column/column-what-keeps-goair-up-in-the-air/20150604.htm|title=What keeps GoAir up in the air|work=[[Rediff]]|date=4 June 2015|access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> According to the airline, it was a planned strategy due to the tough aviation environment in India, focusing on maintaining profitability rather than capturing market share or increasing the number of destinations and fleet size.<ref name="CEO">{{cite news|title=We will not sell under cost|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/we-will-not-sell-under-cost/article4472063.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu Business Line]]|access-date=15 April 2016|location=Chennai, India|first=Lalatendu|last=Mishra|date=3 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="MD">{{cite news|title=Stay small till customer has a need, not want: Jeh Wadia|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Stay-small-till-customer-has-a-need-not-want-Jeh-Wadia/articleshow/18524423.cms|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=15 April 2016|date=16 February 2012|archive-date=11 April 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411033127/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-16/india-business/37132767_1_jeh-wadia-bombay-realty-dadar|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2016, it was the fifth-largest carrier in the country with an 8% market share.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-s-domestic-passenger-demand-up-25-percent-iata-116040700595_1.html|title=India's domestic passenger demand up 25 percent: IATA|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=6 April 2014|access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> The airline was planning an [[initial public offering]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/DtGJvktmtarKToxhAMbL7I/GoAir-awaits-Airbus-delivery-schedule-to-decide-IPO-timing.html|title=GoAir awaits Airbus delivery schedule to decide IPO timing|date=28 March 2016|newspaper=[[Live Mint]]|access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> It took delivery of its 20th aircraft in June 2016, making it eligible to operate international flights.<ref name="Neo">{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/0zdrbtbxsgF83fF9KZTjOK/GoAir-takes-delivery-of-its-first-of-72-A320neo-aircraft.html|title=GoAir takes delivery of its first Neo aircraft|newspaper=[[Live Mint]]|date=1 June 2016|access-date=5 June 2016}}</ref> GoAir became the sixth Indian domestic carrier to fly internationally when it launched its inaugural flight to [[Phuket International Airport|Phuket]] from [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]] on 11 October 2018.<ref name="HBLN">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/goair-launches-maiden-delhi-phuket-flight/article25199284.ece|title= GoAir launches maiden Delhi-Phuket flight|newspaper=[[The Hindu Business Line]]|date=12 October 2018|access-date=8 August 2019}}</ref> On 17 March 2020, amidst the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], GoAir suspended all its international flights.<ref>{{cite news|title=GoAir suspends international operations|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/goair-suspends-international-operations-sends-staff-on-leave-without-pay-11584451946542.html|newspaper=Mint|date=17 March 2020|access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref> On 13 May 2021, GoAir was rebranded as Go First.<ref name="RB">{{cite news|date=13 May 2021|title=GoAir rebrands as Go First after 15 years of flying|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/goair-rebrands-as-go-first-after-15-years-of-flying/articleshow/82608003.cms|access-date=13 May 2021|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|language=en}}</ref> In 2021, the airline once again planned to launch an IPO to raise {{INRconvert|36|b}}.<ref>{{cite news|last=Raj|first=Shubham|title=There is a reason why GoAir is in a hurry to go public|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/ipos/fpos/there-is-a-reason-why-goair-is-in-a-hurry-to-go-public/articleshow/82628746.cms|access-date=1 December 2023|date=28 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Go Airlines (India) Limited – DRHP|url=https://www.sebi.gov.in/filings/public-issues/may-2021/go-airlines-india-limited-drhp_50122.html|access-date=28 May 2021|publisher=SEBI}}</ref>

In 2023, the airline faced operational issues, resulting in the cancellation of multiple flights.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cash-strapped Go First cancels May 3, 4 flights, to file for insolvency|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cashstrapped-go-first-airways-suspends-flights-for-may-3-4-101683022996775.html|date=2 May 2023|access-date=2 May 2023|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> The airline claimed to have been largely impacted by supply chain issues with [[Pratt & Whitney PW1000G]] engines, which power its entire fleet of [[Airbus A320neo family|A320neo]] aircraft. Subsequently, the airline filed for voluntary insolvency resolution before the [[National Company Law Tribunal]] (NCLT) on 2 May 2023.<ref name="Go First">{{cite news|title=Go First insolvency: NCLAT to pass order on aircraft lessors' petitions on May 22|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/business/go-first-insolvency-national-company-law-appellate-tribunal-to-pass-order-on-aircraft-lessors-petitions-on-may-22/cid/1937047|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|date=15 May 2023|access-date=15 May 2023|language=en-IN}}</ref> The airline also sued [[Pratt & Whitney]] in a [[United States]] federal court, seeking to enforce an arbitral award directing the supply of engines as contracted.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mascarenhas|first=Francis|title=Go First's financial crisis and its Pratt & Whitney dispute: what you need to know|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/go-firsts-financial-crisis-its-pratt-whitney-dispute-what-you-need-know-2023-05-12/|work=[[Reuters]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|date=12 May 2023|access-date=15 May 2023}}</ref> Pratt & Whitney disputed these claims.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/go-firsts-financial-crisis-its-pratt-whitney-dispute-what-you-need-know-2023-05-12/|title=Go First's financial crisis and its Pratt & Whitney dispute: What you need to know|newspaper=Reuters|date=12 May 2023|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> 

The airline sought interim directions from NCLT to continue functioning and requested restrictions on any adverse regulatory action, but this was denied. Owing to non-payment of rental dues, leasing companies repossessed the airline's leased planes.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 May 2023 |title=Go First: What went wrong with Indian airline? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65458136 |access-date=5 May 2023}}</ref> On 26 June 2023, the airline's creditors approved an interim financing of {{INRconvert|425|c}} aimed at returning it to operation, pending board approval.<ref>{{cite news|date=25 June 2023|title=Go First creditors approve Rs 425 cr interim fund to revive airline, await board nod|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/gofirst-creditors-approve-rs-425-cr-interim-fund-to-revive-airline-await-board-nod/articleshow/101253757.cms?from=mdr|access-date=26 June 2023|issn=0013-0389}}</ref> In mid-August 2023, the airline sought emergency funding of {{INRconvert|100|c}} to keep itself afloat.<ref>{{cite news|date=14 August 2023|title=Go First asks lenders for Rs 100 crore emergency funding: Report|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/industry/aviation/story/go-first-asks-lenders-for-rs-100-crore-emergency-funding-report-394001-2023-08-14|access-date=18 August 2023|newspaper=Business Today}}</ref> On 13 February 2024, it was announced that Go First had received a 60-day extension for its insolvency resolution process, allowing potential investors to submit their proposals for the carrier's revival. This was the second extension given to Go First, and also the last one it could expect. The airline attracted interest from multiple investors, including SpiceJet.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/grounded-carrier-go-first-granted-60-day-extension-for-insolvency-resolution/ar-BB1ieAGl?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=cc1075a49e05475ea473e0ec394542db&ei=174# | title=MSN | website=[[MSN]] }}</ref>

As of February 2024, [[Ajay Singh (entrepreneur)|Ajay Singh]], the Chairman and Managing Director of [[SpiceJet]], along with [[Nishant Pitti]], majority stakeholder of Busy Bee Airways and co-founder of [[EaseMyTrip]], submitted a bid for GoFirst amounting to {{INRconvert|600|c}}. The total dues of Go First—including claims from vendors and lessors—were pegged at {{INRconvert|11463|c}}, which they planned to pay off by 'monetising' two land parcel owned by Go First in Mumbai. According to the bid, Nishant Pitti would hold a majority stake of 60%, with the remaining shares held by Ajay Singh. They planned to start operations using 15 aircraft. There was also another bidder for the airline, [[Sharjah]]-based Sky One FZE.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=20 February 2024 |title=Go First bid: Ajay Singh, Pitti bank on land parcel, arbitral award to revive the airline |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-go-first-bid-ajay-singh-pitti-bank-on-land-parcel-arbitral-award-to-revive-the-airline-3399033/ |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>

On 1 May 2024, the [[Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India)|Directorate General of Civil Aviation]] deregistered all 54 aircraft leased to Go First following a [[Delhi High Court]] order issued on 26 April. After filing for bankruptcy in May 2023, the lessors of these aircraft have since been engaged in a fierce battle with the former owner of the airline, lenders, and the resolution professional to regain control of their aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandra |first=Jagriti |date=1 May 2024 |title=DGCA deregisters all 54 Go First aircraft following HC order |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/dgca-deregisters-all-54-go-first-aircraft-following-hc-order/article68128925.ece |access-date=2 May 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Corporate affairs==
The airline was headquartered in the Wadia International Center in [[Worli]], [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flygofirst.com/about-us/our-offices|title=Our Offices|publisher=Go First|access-date=13 December 2022}}</ref> [[Jehangir Wadia]] served as the managing director of the airline from its inception until his resignation in 2021.<ref name="MD"/> In April 2016, Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, the [[Chief Executive Officer|CEO]] of the airline, also became the joint Managing Director.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/wolfgang-prock-schauer-promoted-to-managing-director-of-go-air/articleshow/51688781.cms|title=Wolfgang Prock-Schauer promoted to Managing Director of GoAir|first=Anirban|last=Chaudhary|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=15 April 2016|date=16 February 2012}}</ref> Kaushik Khona was appointed as the CEO in August 2020,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/goair-appoints-kaushik-khona-as-new-ceo-to-replace-vinay-dube-11597403223693.html|title=Go Air appoints new CEO|date=14 August 2020|newspaper=Mint|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> and stepped down from the position in November 2023.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/go-first-ceo-kaushik-khona-resigns-amid-bankruptcy-challenges-101701356086155.html|title=Go First CEO Kaushik Khona resigns amid airline's uncertain future|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=30 November 2023|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

===Livery===
GoAir aircraft were painted in various colour schemes, such as blue and pink, with the logo on the tail. In 2011, the airline announced that all its aircraft would be converted to a new, uniform, grey colour scheme.<ref name="livery">{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-17/news/29670100_1_goair-jeh-wadia-small-aircraft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214052459/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-17/news/29670100_1_goair-jeh-wadia-small-aircraft|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 February 2012|title=GoAir places order worth $7 bn for 72 Airbus A320 neo aircraft|first=Manisha|last=Singhal|date=25 June 2011|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=16 April 2016}}</ref> On 13 May 2021, GoAir was rebranded as Go First, with a new blue colour scheme and livery.<ref name="RB"/>

==Destinations==
{{see also|List of Go First destinations}}
In March 2020, Go First operated a network of 39 destinations—29 domestic and 10 international—with 325 daily flights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goair.in/promotions/international-flights/|title=International Flights|work=Goair.in|date=11 October 2019}}</ref> In June 2016, GoAir became eligible for international operations.<ref name="CEO"/> The airline commenced its first international operations on 11 October 2018 with a flight from Delhi to Phuket.<ref name="HBLN"/>

==Fleet==
===Former fleet===
[[File:GoAir, VT-WGR, Airbus A320-271N.jpg|thumb| A Go First [[Airbus A320 Family|Airbus A320neo]] in the old GoAir Livery. In 2021, the airline adapted a new livery as a part of its rebranding.]]

Prior to ceasing operations, Go First operated an all [[Airbus A320 Family|Airbus A320]] fleet:<ref>{{cite report|title = Orders & deliveries, Airbus|publisher=Airbus SAS|url=http://www.airbus.com/aircraft/market/orders-deliveries.html|website= Airbus|date=31 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About Us : GoAir|url=http://www.goair.in/aboutus.aspx|access-date=1 September 2018|publisher=GoAir}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=Airfleets|url=https://www.airfleets.net/flottecie/Go%20First.htm|title=Go First Fleet details|access-date=1 September 2018}}</ref> However, by May 2024, the DGCA initiated the deregistration process.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=Go First news: Lessors to repossess all 54 Go First aircraft as DGCA deregisters them |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/dgca-starts-deregistering-go-first-planes-a-year-after-the-airline-shut-down/articleshow/109759694.cms |access-date=2 May 2024 |publisher=Economic Times}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em auto; text-align:center"
|- 
!Aircraft
!Total
!Introduced
!Retired
!Passengers
!Notes
|-
|[[Airbus A320-200]]
|5
|2021
|2023
|180
|
|-
|[[Airbus A320neo]]
|49
|2021
|2023
|186
|88 orders
|}

===Fleet development===
In June 2011, Go First placed an order for 72 [[Airbus A320neo]] aircraft worth {{INRconvert|32400|c}}. In December 2015, [[Airbus]] announced that the deliveries of Go First’s A320neo aircraft would be delayed by three months due to technical issues, with deliveries expected by the second quarter of the financial year 2015–16.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2015 |title=A320neo delivery to GoAir likely to be delayed |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-12-20/news/69186455_1_a320neo-goair-airbus |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425010207/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-12-20/news/69186455_1_a320neo-goair-airbus |archive-date=25 April 2016 |access-date=16 April 2016 |newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref> Deliveries began in 2016, with an induction rate of 12–15 aircraft per year.<ref name="neo">{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/GoAir-orders-72-Airbus-jets-for-Rs-32000-crore/articleshow/8882527.cms|title=GoAir orders 72 Airbus jets for Rs. 32,000 crore|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=17 June 2011|access-date=16 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625085848/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/GoAir-orders-72-Airbus-jets-for-Rs-32000-crore/articleshow/8882527.cms|archive-date=25 June 2016}}</ref>  Go First received its first A320neo aircraft on 1 June 2016.<ref name="Neo"/>

In July 2016, Go First signed a memorandum of understanding with [[Airbus]] for 72 [[Airbus A320neo]] aircraft valued at {{USD|7.7 billion}}, potentially increasing the total number of orders to 144. The deal was announced at the [[Farnborough Airshow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/goair-doubles-aircraft-order-signs-up-for-extra-72-a320neos-116071201131_1.html|title=Business Standard – GoAir new order for 72 further NEO's|date=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715011608/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/goair-doubles-aircraft-order-signs-up-for-extra-72-a320neos-116071201131_1.html|archive-date=15 July 2016}}</ref>

When the airline ceased operations in 2023, it had 26 aircraft operational, while the other 28 aircraft were grounded due to engine issues with [[Pratt & Whitney]].<ref name=":0" />

On 1 May 2024, following a [[Delhi High Court]] order, the DGCA deregistered all 54 leased aircraft belonging to Go Air.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 May 2024 |title=Relief for lessors: DGCA de-registers all 54 GoAir planes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/relief-for-lessors-dgca-de-registers-a-majority-of-goairs-54-planes/articleshow/109756776.cms |access-date=4 May 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandra |first=Jagriti |date=1 May 2024 |title=DGCA deregisters all 54 Go First aircraft following HC order |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/dgca-deregisters-all-54-go-first-aircraft-following-hc-order/article68128925.ece |access-date=4 May 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Services==
As a budget airline, Go First did not provide complimentary meals aboard flights but offered [[buy on board]] in-flight meal options.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goair.in/bottom-menu/menu|title=GoAir Menu|publisher=GoAir|access-date=16 April 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423072716/https://www.goair.in/bottom-menu/menu|archive-date=23 April 2016}}</ref> The airline published an [[in-flight magazine]] named ''Go-getter''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goair.in/bottom-menu/in-flight-magazine|title=Go Getter In-flight magazine|publisher=GoAir|access-date=16 April 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324172850/https://www.goair.in/bottom-menu/in-flight-magazine|archive-date=24 March 2016}}</ref> Go First offered a premium service, ''Go Business,'' at a higher fare, which provided extra services such as seats with greater legroom, free meals, increased baggage allowance, and priority boarding.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goair.in/menu/gobusiness|title=Go Business|publisher=GoAir|access-date=16 April 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324171134/https://www.goair.in/menu/gobusiness|archive-date=24 March 2016}}</ref> In 2011, it launched its [[frequent flyer programme]] called ''Go Club'', offering benefits like lounge access and free upgrade to ''Go Business''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/goair-flies-on-new-routes-to-lure-passengers-111121100008_1.html|title=GoAir flies on new routes to lure passengers|first=Aneesh|last=Phadnis|date=11 December 2011|access-date=5 June 2016|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804132123/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/goair-flies-on-new-routes-to-lure-passengers-111121100008_1.html|archive-date=4 August 2016}}</ref> New membership was discontinued in February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://isponline.info/2016/04/goair-frequent-flyer-program/|title=GoAir Frequent Flyer Program|first1=Ruben|last1=Hill|work=ISP online|date=27 April 2016|access-date=5 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923162932/http://isponline.info/2016/04/goair-frequent-flyer-program/|archive-date=23 September 2016}}</ref>

==Accolades==
Go First was rated as the "Best Domestic Airline For Excellence in Quality and Efficient Service" by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.patwainternational.com/PATWA-handbook.pdf|title=PATWA International Awards|work=PATWA|access-date=30 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424085107/http://www.patwainternational.com/PATWA-handbook.pdf|archive-date=24 April 2016}}</ref> In 2011, the airline was named the "Best Performing Airline" in Asia and Africa amongst all Airbus A320 operators by [[Airbus]], based on fleet utilisation and other performance metrics.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/goair-ranked-the-best-performing-airline-by-airbus/|title=GoAir ranked the Best Performing Airline by Airbus|work=Breaking Travel News|date=1 June 2011|access-date=30 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220195951/http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/goair-ranked-the-best-performing-airline-by-airbus/|archive-date=20 December 2013}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of defunct airlines of India]]
* [[Transport in India]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category-inline|GoAir}}
* {{Official website|https://www.flygofirst.com/}}

{{Portalbar|India|Companies|Aviation}}
{{Wadia Group}}
{{Airlines of India}}

[[Category:Defunct airlines of India]]
[[Category:Airlines established in 2005]]
[[Category:Airlines disestablished in 2023]]
[[Category:Defunct low-cost airlines]]
[[Category:Companies based in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Indian companies established in 2005]]
[[Category:2023 disestablishments in India]]
[[Category:Wadia Group]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Insolvent companies]]