Domestic airlines speading wings

Buddha Air adds 70-seater ATR 72-500, Makalu Air starts flying

Private airlines companies are flying high. Though the ailing national flag carrier has been in controversy over buying new aircrafts, the private ones have been adding new aircrafts.

Buddha Air has brought a new 70-seater aircraft ATR -72-500 yesterday. "The new aircraft has landed at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) yesterday evening," the airlines said adding that with the addition of ATR-72-500 -- that is manufactured in coordination between France and Italy -- Buddha Air now has a total of eight aircrafts.

According to the airlines, the 70-seat aircraft will start its internal flights from Monday.

Similarly, Makalu Air -- a newly established private airlines -- has obtained Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to operate three Cessna Grand Caravan. "The airline will start its operations with its first aircraft based in Nepalgunj," said the Makalu Air that has successfully conducted its test landing od the new aircraft Cessna Grand Caravan at Talcha airport in Mugu district.

The test flight was conducted as per the requirement of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

Currently Makalu will focus its operations on charter passenger services and charter cargo services exclusively. "Though, its first aircraft will be based in Nepalgunj with its services focused in the western region, it looks forward to expanding its services in all the other regions of Nepal, after the arrival of its second and third aircrafts," said the company.

Cessna Grand Caravan is a single engine aircraft designed with a superior advantage and especially compatible for flights in Nepal’s high altitude, remote and short tke off landing (STOL) air fields.

Currently, six single engine aircrafts operators -- Air Kasthamandap, Tara Air, Hilander Air, Makalu Air, Untiy Air and Akash Bhairab Air -- have got the licence from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministry.