Green deposits, corrosion on leased planes, Go First lessor tells Delhi HC

The resolution professional (RP) of Go First is not maintaining the aircraft in accordance with court orders and there are greenish deposits, corrosion and rusting on the leased planes, one of the lessors of the airline told the Delhi High Court on Friday. 

DAE (SY 22)13 Ireland, which leased two aircraft to Go First, said that protective covers around the leased aircraft were also removed.

The lessor’s counsel told the court that if the RP of the airline says that it should fly, then they should demonstrate that.

“If the RP in good faith says we should be able to fly, you should be able to demonstrate that,” the lessor told the court. 

The high court reserved its orders in three applications filed by lessors of the airline seeking permission to maintain their aircraft.

The lessor’s lawyer also alleged that the condition of the leased aircraft deteriorates every time it is inspected.

“It is the duty of the RP to ensure that maintenance is carried out in a correct manner,” he said. 

The lessor added that the RP is not giving them access to key documents of the aircraft, such as maintenance records. These are essential to know if the aircraft is in fly worthy condition.

“Aircraft should be in fly worthy condition. If the RP is carrying out maintenance, it is its duty to show that to court,” he said. 

Other lessors, such as BOC Aviation Ireland and ACG Aircraft Leasing, have also filed similar applications.

ACG Aircraft Leasing told the court that critical parts such as fan blades, escape slides and other parts are missing from at least two planes. 

Meanwhile, another lessor sought directions to Go First to replace “robbed” parts of its leased aircraft. They have also sought round-the-clock security for their grounded aircraft. 

Meanwhile the RP’s counsel questioned why the lessors were moving both the high court and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for the same relief.

He said the division Bench order of the high court has modified the single judge’s order on July 12. So, he added that the lessors should now go to the division Bench for relief. The matter will likely come up for hearing on October 5.

Go First had filed for insolvency in May after which the moratorium period kicked in. This implied that the aircraft could not be taken back by the lessors. They had then moved the NCLT as well as the high court to access the leased aircraft.