Yeti Airlines and Tara Air are in the process of merging and operating flights under identical registration. Tara Air was formed in 2009 when Yeti Airlines split its STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft operations from its regional operations. The airline’s STOL operations were rebranded as Tara Air and focused on providing services into remote and mountainous airports and airstrips.
Mr. Bhim Raj Rai, Ground handling, and media manager at Yeti airlines stated that the carrier is in discussion phase in the topic of merging however, it is not finalized yet. Talking about the reason behind merging both airlines, Manager Rai said that the airline can enhance its air services and focus on formulating a new plan for upgrading its services in the upcoming future.
On the other hand, it also reduces the operating cost for the airlines. However, Tara air will operate in its usual destinations: rural areas whereas Yeti Airlines will operate in its regular destination after unification. Yeti Airlines will become the largest domestic aircraft operator after merging with Tara Air.
Currently, Yeti Airlines owns 6 BAE Jetstream 41 and 2 ATR 72-500 operating flights to Biratnagar, Pokhara, Bhadrapur, Bharatpur, Janakpur, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj along with mountain flights while Tara Air fleet includes two Dornier Do 228, three De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter and one Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otter operating flights to Simikot, Jomsom, Bajura, Jumla, Lukla, Phaplu Rara and so on.
Yeti Airlines is adding 4 more ATR72 series aircraft by 2019 whereas Tara Air intends to gradually replace its entire fleet with the Viking series aircraft.
