IANS | 01 Jan, 2024
The Wadia Group, under the leadership of Nusli Wadia, has firmly
stated that the bankruptcy of its budget airline, Go First, in May last
year, will not impede its ability to raise funds for other businesses
within the conglomerate in the future.
Reports indicate that the credit ratings of all Wadia Group companies remain robust.
Established
in 2005, Go First filed for voluntary bankruptcy in May 2023, citing
outstanding debts exceeding Rs 6,521 crore, primarily owed to lenders,
with a significant portion owed to public sector banks.
Amid
speculations that the Wadia Group might submit a bid for Go First,
potentially with the involvement of a global fund, the conglomerate
ultimately did not proceed with such a bid.
In a surprising turn
of events in December, Sky One, an aviation company based in Sharjah,
and SpiceJet expressed interest in acquiring the financially-beleaguered
Go First.
This development occurred after the proposal deadline
had passed and while lenders were considering the possibility of
liquidation.
Both entities sought permission from Shailendra
Ajmera, the Resolution Professional overseeing Go First's Corporate
Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), to conduct due diligence on the
grounded airline.
Recently, the RP of cash-strapped Go First
airline submitted an affidavit in the Delhi High Court stating that
2,278 employees remain on the rolls of the company, out of which none
are at present reporting to work.
"Various personnel of the
engineering and records team who were required to undertake maintenance
activities have either gradually resigned or are not reporting to work
due to non-payment of salaries," read the affidavit by RP Shailendra
Ajmera.
"As on insolvency commencement date the number of
employees on the rolls of the Corporate Debtor stood at approximately
4,621. However, as of 10.10.2023, approximately 2,278 employees remain
on the rolls of the company, out of which none are at present reporting
to work," it said.
The RP's affidavit comes after the lessor filed
a contempt petition, alleging that Ajmera did not permit them to
inspect the aircraft and did not maintain them as per court directions.