Airliners in Nepal: Sita Air (सीता एयर) Soaring high in the Nepalese Sky (Photo Feature)
December 26, 2016-KATHMANDU
History and Introduction:
Established in during the political chaos in the country, Sita Air has been conducting air service in the country for around 13 years. Though the airlines got its air operators certificate (AOC) in 2000, it couldn’t conduct flights till 2003. The operations started on 6th of February, 2003 with a single Dornier Do 228 and later another aircraft was added in April 2003.
At present time, the airline conducts flights from Nepalgunj Airport as its base and the destinations are Surkhet, Jumla and Simikot.
In August 2014, the company was restricted by Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) from conducting flights only to remain within cargo transportation.
Fleet Introduction:
- Dornier D0-228
The Dornier D0-228 is a twin-engine turbo prop aircraft, proficient of conveying up to 19 passengers or various cargos. It is motorized by a pair of Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines. The D0-228 is commonly categorized as a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL)-capable aircraft, being capable of functioning from rough runways and in hot climates, this capability has been largely credited to the type’s supercritical wing which generates large amounts of lift at slow speeds. The D0-228 is typically endorsed for its versatility, low operational costs, and a high level of reliability – retaining a dispatch reliability of 99%. No other aircraft in the same class may transport as much cargo or as many passengers over an analogous distance as fast as the D0-228.
Incident and Crashes:
- On 28 September 2012, Dornier DO 228-212 operated by Sita Air, ‘9N-AHA’ the Scheduled Domestic Passenger flight en route Kathmandu-Tribhuvan Airport (KTM/VNKT) to Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA/VNLK) crashed shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu-Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) killing all 19 on board. The accident was triggered by the overweight of the aircraft.
- On 31 May 2013, Dornier DO 228-212 operated by Sita Air, ‘9N-AHB’ the Scheduled Domestic Passenger flight en route Nepalgunj Airport (KEP/VNNG) to Simikot Crashed on Morning while landing after touching the runway as the right wing of the aircraft touched the ground. Fortunately, No fatalities were noted.
Future Plan:
Sita Air will be adding the two more Dornier aircraft within this year extending its fleet to four.
Photo Feature:
