Crisis-hit Jet airways and Go First lose airline codes for being non-operational

A new crisis has hit an already cash-strapped airlines Jet Airways and Go First as they have lost their airline codes for being non-operational. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns a two character codes to the world's airlines.

The IATA has withdrawn the G8 airline code given to Go First and 9W that was assigned to Jet Airways. IATA assigns the airline designator code to companies to use for reservations, schedules, timetables, telecommunications, ticketing, cargo documentation, legal, tariffs and/or other commercial/traffic purposes.

Also Read: Jalan Kalrock Deposits Another ₹100 Crore For Jet Airways Revival

According to Albert Tjoeng, Head of Corporate Communications at IATA, airlines are eligible for a code only if the airline is in operation. 

"One of the requirements for a company to be eligible for an IATA two-letter designator is that the airline needs to be operating. As Go First ceased to operate commercial flights since early May 2023, it is currently not eligible for the IATA two-letter designator," Albert Tjoeng, Head of Corporate Communications at IATA, said in a statement. 

As per Financial Express, the withdrawal of the airline code would lead to disruptions in ticketing, reservations, and baggage handling operations for these airlines. Besides logos and taglines, these codes also become an identity for airlines. Losing them up means losing their uniqueness.

Go First ceased operations in May 3 and intiated a voluntary insolvency proceedings. Similarly, the Jalan Kalrock Consortium that emerged as the successful bidder for Jet Airways is ordered to clear the dues worth Rs 350 crore by September 30