KATHMANDU, ANN
Manang Air Pvt. Ltd. one of the progressive airline companies of Nepal is preparing to add another new AS350 B3e (H125) Helicopter, designed and built by Airbus Helicopter Company in France for commercial operations in the country, a statement issued by the company official.
As per the information from the company, the additional H125 helicopter is expected to arrive Nepal by the first week of October. The assembling work of the newly bought chopper will be carried out in Tribhuvan International Airport, noted officials, adding that the company will conduct its test flight after the accomplishing the assembling work of the chopper.
The estimated cost of the AS350B3e (H125) is NRs. 31 million as per the manufactured, Airbus Helicopter Company. The new H125 has obtained Nepalese registration of ‘9N-ANJ.’
To fulfill the growing demand and to cater to different kinds of requirements of the customers, Manang has purchased new Airbus AS350 B3e back to back. While the company ‘9N-ALC’ crashed at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla on 14th April 2019 after Summit Air Czech-built Let 410 veered halfway down Lukla’s short, sloping runway and slammed into a Manang Air Airbus H125.
With this new addition, Manang Air now has 02 helicopters in its fleet. Manang’s dedication to safety and quality service has enabled it to continue being the most preferred helicopter company in Nepal. The arrival of new aircraft makes Manang more empowered and committed to provide the safest and the best flying experience to its diverse customer base.
As Nepal Tourism Board is preparing for Visit Nepal 2020 setting a target of 2 million tourist arrival in 2020, the addition of new aircraft consolidates Manang’s vision by catering to the rising demand of the customers, as well as innovating new travel packages promoting the many beautiful and unexplored sights of Nepal.
As per Airbus Company, the H125 outclasses all other single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, low maintenance, and low acquisition costs, while excelling in high and hot and extreme environments. It is a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has accumulated more than 32 million flight hours worldwide.
The H125 series are currently in-service worldwide and are mainly used for high-performance missions in high & hot environmental conditions. “The H125 is a member of Airbus Helicopters’ rugged and proven Ecureuil family and some 6,000 Ecureuils have been delivered in nearly 120 countries for some 1,800 operators.”
The H125 has broken world records throughout its career. In 2005, the AS350 B3 broke the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, performed on Mount Everest at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), a title still held today. On 19 May 2013, the AS350 B3 performed the world’s highest long-line rescue operation on Lhotse, the world’s fourth highest mountain, located in the Himalayas, at 7,800 meters (25,590 feet). So, this type of helicopter is simply the best in the industry and the safest way to enjoy mountain flights and has proved to be prominent for the rescue, evacuation and emergency operations in Nepal which is the prime responsibility of Manang Air.
Establised in 1997, as Manang Air Private Limited, is a leading helicopter company in Nepal with an outstanding track record of specializing in high altitude rescue missions, mountain flights, pilgrim flights, filming / aerial survey and many more. As a prominent leader in the industry, with experienced crew, expertise in a variety of missions and a thorough operational maturity developed from thousands of flight hours. Manang Air has major helicopter transportation operations in the whole of Nepal and touches the outskirts of Nepal.
This is yet another testament to its passion, mission and commitment to offering its customers the absolute best that this industry has to offer in Nepal. Manang Air strongly emphasizes on safety. All Manang Air helicopters are fitted with a satellite tracking system which not only allows us to track our assets but also allows us to communicate with our pilots if required.
