Goma Air plans to bring European aircraft, successfully conducts test flight

Goma Air is bringing a new 19-seater commuter type multi-engine turbo propeller aircraft, for its operations, from February.

The private airlines that has been operating only in the far-and mid-west is spreading its wing – with the new aircraft – and start flight from Kathmandu too. "The new aircraft will fly from Kathmandu on the eastern routes," informed managing director of Goma Air Manoj Karki.

The Czech Republic made L410 UVP-E20 Turboprop aircraft – manufactured by Aircraft Industries – made a successful test flight to Jomsom yesterday, he said, adding that the successful test flight on Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom – considered to be the most difficult one – has proved that the aircraft is suitable for Nepal. "The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has also awarded the aircraft a type approval certificate."

The new aircraft is expected to fulfill the rising demand of air seats for both domestic and foreign travelers.

The airlines is planning to procure two factory new STOL aircraft – first time in the last four decades of aviation history of the country – but the first one will start its operation from February, he added. "The second aircraft will arrive after six months."

The airlines also announced arrival of its prototype aircraft for test validation on Sunday.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified aircraft is operational in almost 50 countries, informed commercial director of Aircraft Industries – the manufacturer of LET aircraft – Miroslav Kozisek, on the occasion. "The aircraft meets all the international safety standard, he added.

The authorised representative of LET Aircraft Industries in Nepal, VR Holdings director Rabi Chandra Singh, said that the company will take necessary steps to start maintenance and repair organisation (MRO) in Nepal to provide service to South Asian region, as the aircraft is the first one in the region. "We are planning of supplying the spare parts also in Nepal."

Goma Air currently flies in the mid-western and far western parts of Nepal from Nepalgunj and Surkhet base with two Cessna caravan aircraft.