BackWadia group rebrands GoAir as GoFirst in run-up to its IPO
At the heart of revamp is the embrace of ultra-low-cost airline model, said the group
PremiumNew Delhi: Wadia Group-controlled no-frills carrier GoAir has been rebranded GoFirst ahead of its proposed initial public offering (IPO).
The rebranding also comes at a time when a large chunk of the air passenger traffic has been wiped out over the last fortnight by the second wave of covid-19 infections.
The purpose of rebranding is to operate the carrier in an ultra-low-cost airline model, which would give it a competitive advantage over its peers, the airline said in a statement on Thursday.
"At the heart of this revamp is the full embrace of the ultra-low-cost airline model," the airline said in a statement on Thursday. "And it is this competitive advantage that enables it to offer its customers a combination of ultra-competitive fares and a safe flying experience."
An ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC) is different from a low cost carrier (LCC) as they typically operate different business models with unbundled fares which result in cheaper ticket prices.
For instance, on an ULCC, passengers have to pay extra for baggage, while selection of seat and food are subject to an additional fee. ULCCs also have fewer amenities than simple low-cost carriers, and therefore have a greater range of add-ons for a fee.
Most Indian airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet and AirAsia India operate on a low cost model.
"Consumers in India are hugely value conscious but are quite demanding when it comes to flying experience," said the airline's vice chairman Ben Baldanza.
"The combinations of attractive airfares, a squeaky-clean flying experience, well sanitized flights and on time performance is what Go First is designed to deliver," he added.
Mint had on 12 May reported that GoAir, now Go First, will complete its IPO process by the end of the current calendar year.
The airline also put in place a professional management in anticipation of the IPO.
GoAir, which started operations in 2005, had in March said that Jeh Wadia (son of company's chairman Nusli Wadia) had stepped down as the managing director, while industry veteran Ben Baldanza, who once headed US-based ultra low cost carrier Spirit Airlines, had joined its board as vice-chairman.
Baldanza will work directly with the management team, comprising chief executive officer (CEO) Kaushik Khona and chief financial officer (CFO) Pankaj Chaturvedi to achieve the next phase of growth, GoAir had then said.
GoAir reported a net loss of ₹1,278.60 crore in FY20 compared with a net profit of ₹123.34 crore during FY19 according to latest figures from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
According to figures compiled by research platform Tofler, the airline's net worth stood negative at ₹1,500 crore at the end of 31 March 2020 , while cash and cash equivalents stood at ₹112 crore.
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