Distressed Aircraft Recoveries, A CAMO Perspective
Ian Power
Airworthiness Engineer at Shannon Technical Services
When Go First entered insolvency, more than 50 Airbus A320 aircraft were left grounded across multiple locations in India. What followed was not a straightforward recovery exercise, but a complex and lengthy process that tested airworthiness management, regulatory coordination, and on-the-ground logistics at every level.
We were engaged as the Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation, supporting multiple lessors with the safe recovery and repositioning of over a dozen aircraft. The process took close to a year and delivered lessons that are highly relevant for any organisation facing distressed aircraft scenarios in challenging jurisdictions.
Understanding the Local Regulatory and Legal Landscape
India presents a unique operating environment when it comes to aircraft extraction, both geographically and politically.
In this case, an initial legal moratorium prevented immediate deregistration of aircraft. At the same time, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation adopted a highly cautious approach, which introduced further delays. Neither factor could be bypassed, and neither could be rushed.
What ultimately helped move the process forward was early, structured, and transparent engagement with the regulators. Regular communication, clear documentation, and realistic proposals allowed trust to build gradually. Keeping all stakeholders informed proved essential to unlocking progress.
Managing Airworthiness with Incomplete Records
Following the cessation of operations, many aircraft were left with gaps in their technical records and overdue maintenance items. In several cases, documentation was incomplete or unavailable.
Where records were missing, assumptions had to be conservative. Each aircraft recovery plan was effectively rebuilt from scratch, based on worst-case scenarios. This required a detailed and methodical airworthiness review process.
Our airworthiness review reports were developed in close coordination with importing authorities. This alignment allowed non-critical items to be deferred appropriately, while ensuring safety was maintained as the overriding priority.
One practical example involved ferrying an aircraft with expired passenger oxygen systems. By operating the flight with crew only, the issue was managed safely and compliantly, without introducing unnecessary delay or risk.
Engine Challenges and OEM Coordination
Engines presented one of the most significant technical hurdles, particularly on A320neo aircraft fitted with Pratt & Whitney powerplants.
Several engines were out of limits, while others had not undergone required storage checks for extended periods. Close collaboration with the OEM was critical. Ferry flight approvals were secured for limited flight cycles, inspections were completed strictly in line with OEM requirements, and donor engines were sourced when necessary.
All of this had to be managed alongside customs planning, with careful timing to avoid triggering unnecessary import taxes. This balance between technical compliance and commercial awareness was essential to a successful outcome.
The Importance of Local Presence
Having boots on the ground proved decisive.
Physical presence enabled faster technical inspections, easier coordination with local MROs, and smoother access to hangars and aircraft. For foreign personnel, permissions and access were not always straightforward, which made local expertise invaluable.
Team members with regional knowledge and previous operator experience significantly accelerated both technical assessments and documentation flows. In recovery scenarios of this nature, remote management alone is rarely sufficient.
Keeping Lessors Aligned Through Clarity
Throughout the process, one priority remained constant. Clear and constructive communication with lessors.
Rather than simply highlighting problems, we focused on presenting solutions, realistic timelines, and clear risk management options. This transparency enabled stakeholders to align more quickly and make better-informed decisions under challenging circumstances.
Key Recommendations for Distressed Recoveries
For organisations facing similar situations, several lessons stand out:
Engage early with regulators and authorities. Vet local consultants carefully. Where possible, embed trusted technical representatives on site from the outset.
The cost of having people on the ground is frequently offset many times over by the avoidance of delays, inefficiencies, and miscommunication later in the process.
Distressed aircraft recoveries in complex jurisdictions are never easy. However, with thorough planning, strong local partnerships, and a calm, solution-focused mindset, they are entirely manageable.
At STS, we support our clients with clear, dependable airworthiness guidance when it matters most.
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