Yeti Airlines, Nepal's leading domestic carrier and Air Arabia, the largest low cost carrier in Middle East and North Africa, entered into a joint venture to start a new budget airline.
Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa, chairman of Yeti Airlines, domestic and Air Arabia chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohhammad al-Thani recently signed an agreement for the joint venture in Dubai. Nepal government has already approved the accord.
According to the agreement, the two airlines will jointly establish a new low-cost carrier — under the brand name flyyeti.com — based in Kathmandu providing affordable and convenient service to a broad range of international destinations. The new markets would stretch from South and Central Asia to the Far and Middle East as well as the Indian subcontinent.
The new venture will have major share of Air Arabia and will apply its successful low-cost business model to the management of Nepal's first international LCC.The Airlines has received an 'A' category air operator certificate to operate as an international airline. “Operating at higher standards established by both carriers, Yeti Airlines International and Air Arabia will together revolutionise air travel in Nepal and across a much wider region,” he added.
The new carrier will begin operations From January 20. The first destination will be Sharjah and to selected destinations in India as well as to Doha and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and other destinations in Asia.
“As we set our sights on global expansion, we remain focused on youthful, fast-growing economies where opportunities for growth are greatest. We are pleased to join efforts with Yeti Airlines,” said Air Arabia ch-airman Mohhammad al-Thani.
Ang Tshiring Sherpa, MD of Yeti Airlines termed the agreement as Yeti’s continuous effort to open up Nepal to travellers both nationally and internationally. “What is more is that the true potential of Nepal as an 'all season' tourist destination is being seriously addressed for the first time,” he said.
Currently, Yeti Airlines operates with a fleet of 10 aircrafts and flies over 29 domestic destinations.
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