Airliners in Nepal: Himalaya Airlines (हिमालय एयरलाइन्स) Soaring high in the Nepalese Sky (Photo Feature)
December 28-KATHMANDU
Tourism is flourishing. Nepal is getting all kinds of hypes, be it being on top of the list of the countries one should travel at least once in their lifetime or on the list of most beautiful and exotic places one has ever been to. As much the truth it is that Nepal is really a wonder and its natural beauty exceeds everything that it can offer, more number of air carriers are required in the country that fly internationally so that direct routes could be available to come to Nepal and visit it. Himalayan Airlines is one such company and an initiation to fly internationally has opened doors to many opportunities. Flying an Airbus from the country is not a small deal and Himalayan Airlines with the help of an international investor, is doing the big job.
Introduction
Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal-China joint venture airline, is an international quality carrier of Nepal. The Airline was established in August 2014 and initiated its scheduled flights operation from May 31st 2016 hovering directly to Doha, Qatar and Colombo too. The Airline has planned services to more destinations including Delhi, Beijing, Lhasa, Chengdu, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Dammam in the upcoming future.
The airline received its first new aircraft MSN 6626, Airbus 320-214, Nepal registration number 9N-ALM, on March 9, 2016. This aircraft carried the Right Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. K.P. Oli, Madam Radhika Shakya and the delegation on an official visit to Beijing, the capital city of the People’s Republic of China at 11:00 NST on March 20, 2016. The aircraft also soared to Colombo, Sri Lanka (non-scheduled/Charter) offering a publicity package of round trip on April 12th 2016 and May 3rd 2016.
Tibet Airlines holds 48.99%of equity capital of the company, whereas the Nepalese side holds 51.01%.
Fleet Introduction:
- Airbus 320-214
The Airbus A320-214 is a short-to-medium range narrow-body jet airliner. The A320 was cut in length to create the Airbus A318 and Airbus A319 as well as stretched to create the Airbus A321
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 pilots
- Exit Limit : EASA: 195
FAA: 190
- Capacity: 1-Class Max. Seating: 186 at 29 in (74 cm) pitch
1-Class typical: 164 at 32 in (81 cm) pitch
2-Class typical: 150 (12F @ 36 in, 138Y @ 32 in)
- Length: 37.57 m (123 ft. 3 in)
- Wingspan: 35.8 m (117 ft. 5 in)
- Wing area: 122.4 m2 (1,318 sq. ft.)
- Wing sweepback: 25 degrees
- Unit load devices: 7× LD3-45
- Tail height: 11.76 m (38 ft. 7 in)
- Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): 78 t (172,000 lb)
- Maximum landing weight (MLW): 66 t (146,000 lb)
- Maximum zero-fuel weight (MZFW): 62.5 t (138,000 lb)
- Operating empty weight (OEW): 42.6 t (93,900 lb)
- Power plant: 2 × CFM International CFM56-5B, 68.3 in (1.73 m) fan
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.82 (541 mph; 871 km/h)
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.78 (515 mph; 829 km/h)
- Range: 3,300 nmi, 6,100 km with payload
- Service ceiling: 39,100–41,000 ft. (11,900–12,500 m)
- Rate of climb: 7.5 m/s (1,870 ft./min)
The aircraft passenger cabin is configured with 150 economy & 8 Business class seats, ensuring high level of flying comfort.
Future Plan:
Over the coming five years, the airline aims at obtaining 15 Airbus 320 family aircraft and will operate from Kathmandu to various cities in Asia and beyond. The company will introduce long haul wide body aircraft of A330 family in due course of time for the operation of direct flights to Japan, Korea, Europe, Australia, and America.
Photo Feature:
