-KATHMANDU
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), national flag carrier has initiated its steps for procurement of remaining two Chinese aircraft Harbin Y-12e from China for which the corporation dispatched its technical team to Harbin, China on January 30, 2018 (Tuesday).
Mr. Rabindra Shrestha, Spokesperson for NAC stated that the corporation had sent a group of five technicians to inspect its Harbin Y12-e aircraft. It is expected that NAC will take the delivery of aircraft within couple of weeks after the inspection is accomplished, said Shrestha. The Corporation is also planning to add new destination to expand their domestic flight network service.
Further, NAC has planned to welcome its two wide-body aircraft within upcoming Baishak, 2075. The Corporation has also started work to buy at least four de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.
In accordance with the plan to expand the domestic air routes, the corporation has geared up for the management of required aircraft and human resources (pilots and other crews).
With the motive of occupying domestic aviation market, NAC had signed an agreement with AVIC Corporation of China for the purchase of new aircraft after decades on the corporation history.
Previously, the corporation had delayed the import procedure of remaining two Y12-E aircraft ordered from Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, China due to lack of qualified flight crew for the smooth operation of the aircraft.
NAC took a pause to take the delivery of the Chinese aircraft for two years following some problems, including load restrictions, with the two that had joined its fleet in the first lot.
The corporation had bought a MA60 and a Y-12e aircraft after AVIC guaranteed that it would provide the necessary spare parts for the aircraft.
The AVIC had completed the manufacturing process of its Harbin Y-12E aircraft for Nepal in early 2015. The aircraft are placed outside its factory hangar since then holding Airlines Corporation livery along with the Nepalese Registration.
The corporation has requested the Finance Ministry for the approval to release the payment through EXIM Bank. NAC is required to pay 40 percent of the third installment and the final delivery payment for AVIC Corporation.
Currently, two Y-12E and two MA 60 aircraft are operated for domestic flights. The NAC aircraft makes six straight flights from Kathmandu and other more than 10 flights via Biratnangar and Nepalgunj airports.
After the arrival of the two Harbin Y-12E aircraft, the corporation’s fleet will feature four Harbin Y-12E, two MA-60, three Twin Otters towards the domestic sector whereas two Airbus A320 and One Boeing 757 for International Destinations.
