Go First

Corporate brand

Go First, formerly GoAir, was an Indian low-cost airline owned by the Wadia Group that ceased operations in May 2023 after entering insolvency proceedings.

Last updated October 14, 2026

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Overview

Go First was an Indian low-cost airline established as GoAir by Jehangir Wadia, a member of the Wadia business family, in 2005. The airline began commercial service on 4 November 2005 with an Airbus A320 flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. It was wholly owned by the Wadia Group and was headquartered at the Wadia International Center in Mumbai. From its early years, GoAir pursued a relatively conservative growth strategy in India's intensely competitive aviation market. Rather than expanding as rapidly as some rivals, it emphasized aircraft utilization, cost control, and an all-Airbus narrow-body fleet. The airline initially operated a small domestic network and gradually added destinations across India. It faced pressure from fuel prices in 2008 and subsequently maintained a slower expansion pace than carriers such as IndiGo and SpiceJet. In the early 2010s, GoAir became one of India's more established low-cost airlines, helped in part by the collapse or retrenchment of competitors. Its business model centered on economy-class air travel, ancillary revenue, paid onboard food, and a dense domestic schedule. The airline did not generally include meals in standard fares, although it offered buy-on-board catering and introduced premium services such as Go Business, which included additional space, priority treatment, enhanced baggage allowances, and other benefits. GoAir expanded its fleet and became eligible for international operations after taking delivery of its twentieth aircraft in 2016. It began international flying in October 2018 with a Delhi–Phuket service and later operated a network covering domestic Indian destinations and selected international routes. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, its network included dozens of domestic and international destinations. International services were suspended in March 2020 as the pandemic disrupted commercial aviation. On 13 May 2021, the company changed its consumer brand from GoAir to Go First. The rebrand introduced a new blue visual identity and was intended to present the airline as a more contemporary, growth-oriented carrier. That year, the airline also renewed plans for an initial public offering, but the offering did not proceed to completion. Go First's fleet consisted entirely of Airbus A320-family aircraft, including A320neo aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines. Beginning in 2022 and becoming critical in 2023, engine availability and reliability problems grounded a substantial portion of the fleet. Go First argued that the engine shortages and related technical issues had severely reduced its operational capacity and caused extensive flight cancellations. Pratt & Whitney disputed aspects of the airline's claims. Go First sought legal remedies in the United States and pursued emergency relief in India. The airline suspended operations on 3 May 2023 and filed for voluntary insolvency resolution before India's National Company Law Tribunal on 2 May. Its insolvency process became entangled with disputes involving aircraft lessors, lenders, regulators, and the proposed resolution process. Lessors sought repossession and deregistration of aircraft, while the company and potential investors explored ways to restart operations. The tribunal did not grant all of the interim protections sought by Go First, and the airline's ability to resume service progressively deteriorated. Several investors expressed interest during the insolvency process, including a group associated with SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh and Busy Bee Airways co-founder Nishant Pitti, as well as Sharjah-based Sky One FZE. A proposed revival plan contemplated restarting with a limited fleet, but no relaunch had been completed by the time the Directorate General of Civil Aviation deregistered all 54 leased aircraft in May 2024 following court proceedings. Go First therefore remains a defunct Indian airline whose operating brand and fleet were displaced by insolvency, lessor actions, and unresolved engine-related disruption.

History

GoAir was founded by Jehangir Wadia in 2005 as a wholly owned airline of the Wadia Group. It began operating on 4 November 2005 with a single Airbus A320 and an inaugural route linking Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The airline initially served a small number of Indian destinations, including Goa and Coimbatore, and announced ambitious fleet plans. Rising fuel prices forced a reduction in scheduled flying during 2008, contributing to a cautious approach to expansion. During the late 2000s and early 2010s, GoAir explored strategic alternatives. British Airways was reported to have considered acquiring a stake in the airline in 2009, while discussions with SpiceJet concerning a possible merger did not produce an agreement. GoAir benefited from changes in India's airline market and became the country's fifth-largest carrier by market share in 2012. It nevertheless expanded more slowly than IndiGo and SpiceJet, explaining that profitability and financial discipline were more important than rapid market-share growth in a difficult operating environment. The carrier continued developing its Airbus fleet and pursued international eligibility after reaching the required fleet scale. In 2016 it took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo and signed an additional memorandum with Airbus covering further A320neo aircraft. GoAir launched international operations on 11 October 2018 with a Delhi–Phuket flight. Its international network remained smaller than its domestic network, and international services were suspended in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. On 13 May 2021, GoAir adopted the Go First brand. The new identity used blue as a principal color and was accompanied by renewed plans for a public offering. The airline continued operating an all-Airbus A320-family fleet, with the A320neo becoming increasingly important to its fleet strategy. The carrier's operational position deteriorated as Pratt & Whitney engine supply and reliability issues affected its A320neo aircraft. Go First claimed that a large number of aircraft had been grounded because replacement engines were not supplied in accordance with contractual obligations. The engine manufacturer challenged the airline's characterization of the dispute. Go First pursued arbitration-related enforcement and litigation in the United States while also seeking relief from Indian authorities. Go First stopped flying on 3 May 2023 and filed for voluntary insolvency resolution before the National Company Law Tribunal on 2 May. The airline sought interim protection that would allow it to continue operating and limit adverse action, but its requests did not resolve the underlying problems. Aircraft lessors fought to recover their planes, while the insolvency process dealt with creditor claims, financing proposals, and possible revival plans. Interim financing was approved by creditors in June 2023, and the company later sought additional emergency funding, but it did not restore regular commercial service. The resolution process attracted several possible investors. One proposal was associated with SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh and Nishant Pitti of Busy Bee Airways and EaseMyTrip; another came from Sky One FZE. The proposed plans contemplated a restart with a reduced fleet and attempted to address creditor liabilities, but the process remained contested. In May 2024, following court proceedings involving aircraft lessors, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation deregistered all 54 leased aircraft connected with the airline. Go First consequently remained grounded and is treated as a defunct airline.

2024
Leased aircraft are deregistered
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation deregistered all 54 leased aircraft associated with Go First following court proceedings.
2023
Ceases operations and enters insolvency
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
Go First stopped flying in May and filed for voluntary insolvency resolution after prolonged engine-related operational disruption.
2021
GoAir becomes Go First
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
The airline launched the Go First brand and a redesigned blue livery.
2020
Suspends international flying during the pandemic
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
International services were suspended on 17 March 2020 amid COVID-19 travel restrictions.
2018
Launches international operations
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
GoAir began international service on 11 October 2018 with a Delhi–Phuket route.
2016
Receives its first Airbus A320neo
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
The airline inducted its first A320neo as part of its fleet modernization and expansion program.
2012
Becomes India's fifth-largest airline by market share
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
GoAir reached fifth place in India's airline market by share following major changes in the competitive landscape.
2008
Fuel-price pressure slows expansion
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
Higher fuel costs led the airline to reduce flight frequencies while it adjusted its growth plans.
2005
GoAir is founded and begins service
[1]Go Firsten.wikipedia.org
Jehangir Wadia founded GoAir, which operated its first commercial flight on 4 November 2005 from Mumbai to Ahmedabad using an Airbus A320.

Products and positioning

A value-focused Indian low-cost airline offering predominantly economy-class travel, with an emphasis on affordable fares, operational efficiency, and Airbus A320-family aircraft.

Airline service · 2005
Scheduled domestic flights
Domestic passenger service was Go First's core business. The airline connected Mumbai and other Indian metropolitan, regional, leisure, and business destinations with an all-Airbus narrow-body fleet. Its low-cost structure focused on relatively simple fares, high aircraft utilization, and paid ancillary services rather than bundled full-service amenities.
Airline service · 2018
International flights
GoAir began international operations in 2018, initially linking India with destinations such as Phuket. The international network remained smaller than the domestic network and was suspended in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline did not resume normal operations after its later insolvency-related shutdown.
Premium airline service
Go Business
Go Business was a higher-fare option offering benefits beyond the standard low-cost economy product. Depending on the service configuration, benefits included seats with additional legroom, meals, increased baggage allowance, and priority boarding.
Frequent-flyer program · 2011
Go Club
Go Club was GoAir's loyalty program, offering benefits such as lounge access and upgrades to Go Business. New memberships were discontinued in February 2014.

Marketing campaigns

2021Go First rebrand
India
GoAir replaced its established consumer name with Go First and introduced a blue-centered visual identity and aircraft livery.
Outcome. The new brand remained in use until the airline ceased operations in 2023.
Source

Brand decisions

2023
Files for voluntary insolvency resolutionOther
Background
Go First attributed severe cancellations and grounded aircraft to Pratt & Whitney engine availability problems affecting its A320neo fleet.
Action taken
The airline stopped operations and filed an insolvency application before India's National Company Law Tribunal.
Aftermath
The insolvency process led to disputes with lessors, lenders, regulators, and potential investors; the airline did not resume regular service.
Source
2021
Adopts the Go First brandStrategy
Background
The airline sought a refreshed market identity after operating for many years as GoAir.
Action taken
GoAir was renamed Go First and introduced new branding and livery.
Aftermath
The rebranded airline continued operating until its May 2023 shutdown.
Source
2016
Expands its A320neo commitmentProduct launch
Background
After taking delivery of its first A320neo, GoAir planned further fleet growth and modernization.
Action taken
GoAir signed a memorandum with Airbus for an additional 72 A320neo aircraft.
Aftermath
The planned fleet became increasingly exposed to Pratt & Whitney engine supply and reliability issues.
Source
2011
Orders Airbus A320neo aircraftProduct launch
Background
GoAir sought to modernize and expand its fleet while retaining an all-Airbus narrow-body operating model.
Action taken
The airline placed an order for 72 Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Aftermath
Deliveries began in 2016, but later engine availability problems affecting the A320neo fleet became central to the airline's operational crisis.
Source

Recent events

2022.02.15
Reported2022.02.15
GoFirst raises ₹300 crore from Baymanco[2]GoFirst 从 Baymanco 募集 300 亿卢比thehindubusinessline.com
GoFirst raised ₹300 crore from Baymanco Investment Limited by issuing 23,075,000 equity shares, representing more than an 8.19% stake in the company.
2021.11.02
Reported2021.11.05
Go First starts 16% flight discount offer[3]Go First推出16%机票折扣优惠freepressjournal.in
Go First started a 16% airfare discount offer for passengers on domestic and international flights, with bookings available from November 2 to 9 for travel from November 24 through March 31, 2022.
2021.05.15
Reported2021.05.15
Go First files for IPO[4]Go First提交首次公开募股申请swarajyamag.com
Go First filed for an initial public offering to raise Rs 3,600 crore.
2021.05.14
Reported2021.05.14
GoAir files draft prospectus for planned IPO[5]GoAir提交IPO招股说明书草案businesstoday.in
GoAir filed a draft red herring prospectus with Sebi ahead of a planned IPO, which it intends to use to raise Rs 3,600 crore through a fresh share issue.
2021.05.13
Reported2021.05.13
GoAir rebrands as Go First[6]GoAir更名为Go Firstbusiness-standard.com
GoAir rebranded itself as Go First and said it was transitioning all operations under the new brand while embracing an ultra-low-cost-carrier model.
2021.04.28
Reported2021.04.28
GoAir launches car rental service[7]GoAir推出租车服务aninews.in
GoAir launched chauffeur-driven car rental services across 100 cities in India, including 25 airports on its domestic network, with bookings available through its website.
2021.04.28
Reported2021.04.28
GoAir partners with Eco Europcar on car rental services[7]GoAir推出租车服务aninews.in
GoAir joined hands with Eco Europcar to provide chauffeur-driven car rental services to GoAir passengers in India.
2021.03.19
Reported2021.03.20
GoAir launches Srinagar–Delhi night flight[8]GoAir开通斯利那加至德里的夜间航班business-standard.com
GoAir launched a daily night flight from Srinagar to Delhi on Friday, becoming the first airline in India to operate night services from Srinagar. The airline said the scheduled flight would depart at 8:30 pm every day.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
2020.08.14
Reported2020.08.14
Vinay Dube leaves GoAir CEO role[9]Vinay Dube 离任 GoAir 首席执行官businesstoday.in
Vinay Dube ceased to be employed by GoAir with immediate effect and consequently ceased to be its CEO.
2020.07.22
Reported2020.07.22
GoAir launches GoMore adjacent-seat booking scheme[10]GoAir推出GoMore相邻座位预订计划indianexpress.com
GoAir launched its GoMore scheme, allowing passengers to book an adjacent seat on the same passenger name record to maintain social distancing.

Sources28 sources

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