Go Air to begin international operations from 2017

The Dollar Business Bureau

Go Air has got approval to fly to neighbouring countries in 2017. With the induction of the 20th aircraft in its fleet the company is likely to operate charter services to Europe.

According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, Go Air has shown its intent to fly internationally from next year and has indicated Europe among its several other probable destinations.

"Go Air has expressed its intent to fly overseas from next calendar year. It has indicated some regions," R N Choubey, Civil Aviation Secretary said.

“The Gulf and Europe were some regions that the Mumbai-based carrier was looking at. However, the airline "has not yet submitted a formal plan in this regard," he said.

In a proposal, the Wadia Group had earlier asked for permission from the ministry to fly to regional routes like South East Asia, the Gulf, Central Asia, and China.

At present, Spice Jet, Indigo, Go Air and Air Asia India operate in India. Spice Jet and Indigo also fly to international destinations with operations to the Gulf, Southeast Asia and SAARC countries.

Go Air is operating a handful of charters, roughly 2% of its total capacity, to destinations like Port Blair. It aims to have a fleet size of 27 planes by the end of 2017 fiscal and 35 planes by the end of 2018 fiscal.

According to some experts, Go Air can operate to Europe with an Airbus A-320, but with a reduced seating capacity.