Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), national flag carrier has received hint to get approval for operating China’s flights quickly.
According to the corporation, the procedure has reached in the last phase after formal and informal talk with China and it seems that the final decision could be sent by the end of this month.
Tanka Nidhi Dahal, Business director of NAC stated that all other processes are completed now and only last category is left.
“There is high probability to finalize the last category within this month by China,” said Dahal.
Dahal also informed that the corporation will begin internal preparation and publish flight schedule only after China give the final decision.
“It is still uncertain to inform when the flight will start and we will begin preparation only after receiving final letter from China,” said Dahal.
He also clarified about the rumors saying there is no problem in slot but the real problem is in ground handling.
Mohan Krishna Sapkota, Tourism Secretary stated that the corporation has received a positive signal about getting permission for China’s flight.
“The effort of NAC is about to be successful and we are ready to aid if necessary,” said Tourism Secretary Sapkota, “Nepal Embassy in China is also working in it continuously and we are sure that we will be success this time.”
The aircraft of NAC used to operate flights to China 10 years ago. China even gave flight permission to Nepal with the right to fifth-class traffic freedom.
However, the corporation stopped china’s flights following decrease in the number of aircraft.
In 2002, it was mentioned in the review of old bilateral agreement that Nepalese airlines can conduct up to 14 flights weekly. It was agreed to operate up to 70 flights in a week later.
In a contract between the two countries, it was agreed that both countries can operate equal number of flights. Though six airlines of China conduct 70 flights in a week at present time however, the corporation has not been able to operate flight to China due to lack of slot.
According to the agreement, the corporation should be operating flight to Lhasa, Guangzhou, Kunming, Shanghai, Beijing, China and Xian.
The corporation asked for flight permission in Guangzhou, 4 years ago and has not yet received it.
NAC informed that the corporation will be permitted to operate flight in one city among Beijing and Shanghai.
Currently, the corporation has 2 Airbus A330, 2 narrow-body aircraft and 1 Boeing aircraft for international flights.
