Indian court allows Go First lessors to access aircraft for inspection

By Arpan Chaturvedi and Riddhima Talwani

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -An Indian court on Wednesday allowed leasing companies to access aircraft leased to Go First for inspection and maintenance, though they were still unable to repossess them while the airline’s operations remain stalled.

Lessors of Go First, which was granted bankruptcy protection on May 10, have made several attempts to reclaim planes for missed payments, filing over 50 requests with the watchdog to allow repossession.

The lessors argue the airline has no rights over planes as the leases have been terminated, but India’s government, and the airline, say the bankruptcy law imposes an asset freeze.

The Delhi High court judge said on Wednesday that the leasing companies can “access the airport” and inspect aircraft, carrying out all interim maintenance at least twice a month.

(Reporting by Arpan Chaturvedi, Tanvi Mehta and Riddhima Talwani; Editing by Louise Heavens and Jan Harvey)

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