 "Wolfgang")
GoAir, preparing for expansion, has placed an order for 72 Airbus A320neo planes. The order comes ahead of its proposed initial public offering (IPO). Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang Prock-Schauer responded to queries over the telephone to Aneesh Phadnis, after signing the deal. Edited excerpts:
What is the delivery schedule for the A320neo aircraft?
We had ordered 72 in 2011. These will be delivered till 2020. The 72 planes we ordered today (Tuesday) will be delivered between 2020 and 2025. So, this order takes care of fleet requirements till 2025. We are yet to select the engine option for the second batch of 72 planes. We are confident about the A320neo and feel it is the right aircraft for us.
Is there a plan to order bigger aircraft?
We have an option to switch to the larger variant of the A320neo, which is the A321neo. The A321neo can seat up to 240 passengers and has a slightly longer range. We have not yet decided on the switch and we have no plans to order bigger medium-haul planes.
What is the status of GoAir’s IPO? Has the airline placed the order to bump up its valuation?
We are contemplating an IPO but the timing is yet to be decided. I cannot comment anything further on that. The new order indicates the airline is committed about its expansion beyond 2020 and also demonstrates the confidence that Airbus has in the airline.
An airline valuation depends upon various factors — its financial performance and market size amongst others. An aircraft order is one of these but not the sole factor to determine valuation.
Can you share details about GoAir’s plans to launch overseas flights?
We applied and have been accorded traffic rights to fly to Iran, Central Asia, and China. There are formalities we will have to complete now. We plan to launch international flights late this year or early next year.
