Amidst the crisis that has led to the temporary suspension of its operations, Go First has implemented a retention strategy by offering its pilots an additional monthly amount of Rs 1 lakh alongside their current salary. The aim of this initiative is to retain the pilots within the airline.

As reported by Moneycontrol, Go First has communicated internally that starting from June 1, the "captains" or pilots-in-command will receive their existing salary along with a monthly increment of Rs 1 lakh, referred to as a "retention allowance."

Go First has stated in an email, viewed by Moneycontrol, that starting from June 1, "first officers" or co-pilots will receive a monthly retention allowance of Rs 50,000, in addition to their current salary.

All captains and first officers who are currently employed by the company as of May 31, 2023, will receive the aforementioned retention allowance, according to the announcement. Additionally, Go First has extended the offer of the allowance to pilots who have recently resigned but are willing to retract their resignations by June 15.

Go First also mentioned its plans to introduce a "longevity bonus" as a way to recognise and reward its employees who have been with the company for an extended period of time.

According to the email, if the current progress and plan continue as expected, it won't be long before Go First resumes its operations and becomes regular with salary payments.

The same report also revealed that Captain Rajit Ranjan, Vice President-Flight Operations of Go First, sent an email to all staff members on May 24, clarifying that the salary for April would be fully paid before the airline recommences operations. He mentioned that starting from the following month, salaries will be paid in the first week of every month.

Ranjan reassured the employees that Go First is making progress towards resuming its operations. He highlighted the recent NCLT order that admitted the airline's insolvency plea, even in the face of objections from the aircraft lessors. "We have been permitted by the NCLT to retain the aircraft and resume operations...This has been a landmark decision in the history of Indian aviation,” he said. 

"The Indian government has been very supportive and has asked us to commence operations as soon as possible. They are also supporting us to resolve the P&W engine issues," the senior Go First official added.