Shree airlines, a carrier which has been providing regular domestic flights service has expressed desire to operate international flights.
The carrier commenced flight operation with its three aircraft was paying full attention only to a helicopter operation previously.
Recently, Shree airlines owns 2 Bombardier CRJ-200 series aircraft and 2 Bombardier CRJ-700 series aircraft.
Shree airlines has sent request letter to Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) asking permission to operate international flights targeting some cities of India and Bangladesh.
The carrier has been operating domestic flights to Dhangadhi, Nepalgunj, Rajbiraj, Biratnagar, Bhadrapur and Bhairahawa.
Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Himalaya Airlines have been operating international flights from Nepal whereas Buddha Air has been operating international flight weekly to Varanasi.
Recently, Buddha Air is preparing to expand its international flight operation to other various cities of India. The airline will be operating flights to Calcutta from upcoming Nepali New Year.
Buddha Air will be operating 3 weekly flight on Kathmandu-Calcutta-Kathmandu sector on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2076 Baisakh 2 (mid-April). The airline will be operating flights initially from their current aircraft ATR-72.
If Shree Airlines receives permission to operate international flights, the carrier would be fourth airlines of Nepal to operate international flight.
Though international airlines companies have occupied Nepalese aviation sector market completely it will be easy and comfortable for Nepalese passengers if Shree Airlines operate international flights.
Previously, Shree Airlines which had not received approval to buy Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 Aircraft from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) since long has got green signal to add three Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft into its fleet after a year as commenced service with its first CRJ 200 aircraft.
Presently, there are currently no Q400s in the Nepalese registry. For an operator introducing new type of aircraft for commercial operation the operator firstly needs to acquire the aircraft type approval or type certification validation from CAA Nepal before flying it in Nepalese Skies.
Shree Airlines has, however, been intent on adding a Q400 since, in terms of its fixed-wing fleet, it is currently a Bombardier-only airline and operates two CRJ-200s and two CRJ-700s. The airline has reportedly offered that it will help the CAAN train its staff for introducing the new fleet if needed.
