International airlines felicitate NAC for better ground handling

International airlines felicitated Nepal Airlines for its efficient ground handling at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA).

Some 10 international airlines today awarded the ailing national flag carrier for its better ground handling at the only international airport.

The second annual general meeting of the Airlines Operators' Committee, Nepal, has facilitated the Nepal Airlines that has been remaining afloat only due to ground handling as it has no aircraft to expand its routes and increase flight frequency.

Qatar Air, China Southers, Etihad, IndiGo, Jet Airways, Oman Air, Air Arabia, Dragon Air, Thai Airways and Korean Air have recognised the NAC for its service.

Gulf Air to stop flying Kathmandu from March 25

Gulf Air will stop flying to Kathmandu from March 25.
"From January 11, Gulf Air — in the first phase — will reduce its flights to Kathmandu to five from the current 14 flights a week," according to operation director of President Travels — General Sales Agent (GSA) of Gulf Air — Siddhartha Thapa. "From March 25, Gulf Air will stop flying to Kathmandu completely," he added.
Gulf Air — the principal flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain — until two years back, used to fly the highest number of passengers to and from Kathmandu.
Some more international airlines — especially from the Middle East — are planning to reduce their flights to Kathmandu citing losses due to high ground handling charges and lack of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) that has made their operation cost expensive.
According to a CAAN report, Nepal has signed Air Service Agreements (ASA) with 36 countries generating more than 5.76 million seats from different international airlines annually to and from Nepal. "But international airlines operating to Nepal are using only 44.7 per cent of the total permitted capacity," the report said.
Earlier, foreign airlines operating flights to Nepal had requested the government to waive the VAT imposed on ground handling services at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA). According to the Board of Airlines Representatives in Nepal, other countries do not impose levy on ground handling services making Kathmandu an expensive destination to fly.
Apart from lowering ground handling charges, the government must enter into DTAA with middle-eastern countries, as middle-eastern hubs are well served from Kathmandu, according to international airlines flying to Kathmandu.
Flights to Bahrain are operated by Bahrain Air and Gulf Air, whereas Doha is served by Qatar Airways, Abu Dhabi by Etihad, and Sharjah by Air Arabia.
The reduction of flights of Gulf Air will not only hit tourist arrivals but also hurt revenue.

IndiGo starts Kathmandu flight from today

The healthy growth of Indian tourists to Nepal has attracted more Indian airlines to Nepal.
With seven flights daily, IndiGo Airlines has started New-Delhi-Kathmandu flight from Friday making it the sixth Indian private airliner to fly to Kathmandu.Speaking on the inaugural flight, Aditya Ghosh, president IndiGo said that Kathmandu is a key market and holds a lot of promise. “IndiGo will continue to keep its promise of providing low fares on the New Delhi-Kathmandu-New Delhi routes as well," he said, adding that the airlines hopes to provide the much needed avenue for countless Indians to explore wider horizons and at the same time open up the doors to more and more overseas travellers to experience India.
Currently, Air India, Jet Airlines, Jet lite, Spice Jet, Kingfisher and Indigo fly on New-Delhi-Kathmandu route with a total of 78 flights a week.
"Private Indian airlines have explored Nepal as new destination,” said director general of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Ram Prasad Neupane.
"The increase in the number of Indian airlines flying to Kathmandu has also encouraged the sector," he added.
According to him, India and China has large market access and they have strong economy. "Increase in the number of airlines from these countries can bring a large number of quality tourist to Nepal," he said, adding that the movement of Indian tourist has always been in an increasing trend.
"In an average, Indian tourists contribute to 30 per cent of the total international tourist arrival through airways,” said Neupane.
"According to Air Service Agreement (ASA) between Nepal and India, different Indian airlines can have 30,000 flights a week,” according to joint secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Ranjan Krishna Aryal.
Therefore, more private Indian airlines can start their flights to Kathmandu with the recommendation of Indian government and technical specifications to Nepal, he added.
Including six Indian airlines and two Nepali airlines — Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Buddha Air — some 28 different international airlines fly to Nepal like Air Arabia, Arke Fly, Baharain, Biman Bangladesh, China Eastern, China Southern, Dragon Air, Fly Dubai, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Korean Air, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Qatar Airways, Druk Air, Silk Air, Thai International Airways, United Airways and GMG Airlines.

The frequency
Airlines — Destinations — No of flights in a week
Air India — Delhi — 14
Air India — Kolkata — 4
Air India — Mumbai — 4
Jet Airways — Delhi — 14
Jet Airways — Mumbai — 7
Jet lite — Delhi — 7
Kingfisher — Delhi — 7
Spice Jet — Delhi — 14
Indigo — Delhi — 7
Total flights — 78
(Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal)

Essential Abu Dhabi

I was waiting for 70 years for this moment,” a Peruvian lady was shouting with joy, after her children started taking photos of her riding a camel. It was our third day at Abu Dhabi and we had just reached the restaurant where we were supposed to have dinner after our desert safari.
While the six vehicles that took us for the safari started cooling off after the exciting ride some visitors started riding camels, others started taking photos or riding desert bikes.
Meanwhile Bhusan dai and his team were busy capturing the desert in this camera. Neeraz and I took a chance to ride camel.
Now it felt like we were in a desert otherwise for two days we only saw skyscrapers and greenery in the middle of the Persian Gulf, where it once was a desert.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the richest city in the world is celebrating Essential Abu Dhabi 2011 to place it on the global tourism map and we were a part of that celebration.
One of the seven states of the UAE, Abu Dhabi sits on one tenth of the planet’s oil but still foreigners couldn’t find it on a map. But the place is on its way to change its image with many new projects like Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, Mesopotamia, shopping malls and of course Ferrari World.
Our itinerary had Ferrari World on the fourth day. We have had heard of the fastest roller coaster at the Ferrari World that could give complex to those in Essel World and Disneyland. After enjoying the Ferrari store with much passion and excitement through more than 20 exhilarating and educational rides and attractions plus interactive shopping, Bidhan, Tshering and I headed towards the roller coaster.
Tshering and I wanted to sit in the front seat of the roller coaster however two foreigners, who were there in the queue before us objected.
The one minute ride in the fastest roller coaster was definitely once in a lifetime experience that shook all the riders. The two foreigners in the front row were in worse condition.
While five minutes ago they were arguing with us for the front seats now they were literally shaking and regretting for not letting us take those seats.
The fastest roller coaster also symbolises Abu Dhabi’s zeal to move fast and be in the list of top holiday destination along with Singapore, Tokyo and naturally, Dubai, another state of the UAE that is more popular in the world.
Though Abu Dhabi doesn’t like to be compared with Dubai it’s on the way to give Dubai — that is at a two hours drive — a tough competition in some years as it has the oil reserves and the financial cushion to sit back and watch the Dubai experiment.
The capital of UAE is changing and changing fast, dozens of its islands are soon going to sprout skyscrapers, hotels, museums, hospitals and factories, and could become one of the most favoured destinations for Nepali migrant workers.
“In this hotel itself we have 50 Nepalis workers,” said one of the Nepali employees at the hotel where we were enjoying the cool breeze one late evening by the pool side. “Apart from the salary and perks the living condition is better here,” he briefed us as he talked excitedly to us for almost half an hour. He was either happy to meet people from his country in this far away land after long time or he just wanted to impress us.
Another Nepali worker, a woman — working for the Group Four security company — whom we met at the Mesopotamia, the museum of ancient civilisation, also told us that they have nice pay and perks along with accommodation.
One day during Shisha (hukkah) session — a popular evening time pass among the Arabs after dinner — I was discussing with the Corporate Communications

Manager of our host Etihad Airways, Taryam Al Subaihi about the current unrest in the Arab world that was basically fuelled by the youth unemployment. “Will it impact migrant workers and especially Nepali migrant workers,” I asked him.
Taryam opined that the UAE might not witness a similar situation. “Especially Abu Dhabi has less unemployment rate,” he said, releasing the smoke of flavoured Shisha.
“We have come up with many projects in the recent years and our youths are getting more job opportunities”, he said, giving example of many projects that the Abu Dhabi is planning to finish by 2020. He invited us to Etihad Airlines headquarters the next morning. The airline was set up by a Royal Decree in July 2003, with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, as its hub.
It started commercial operations in November 2003. It has a fleet of 57 aircraft – Airbus A300, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A380, Boeing 767, Boeing 777 – that fly to 44 destinations around the world including Kathmandu. After coming out of the Etihad headquarters, Bhusan Dai and I were comparing it with our national flag carrier Nepal Airlines.
Established in July 1958 as Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC), today Nepal Airlines Corporation has two age-old Boeings 757s – that fly to seven international destinations – and five Twin Otters, of which only two Twin Otters are in operations currently flying to 19 destinations in the country.

What a comparison!!!

Etihad reports revenue growth

Etihad Airways today reported a 29.2 per cent rise in revenues in 2010 to $2,951 million from 2009's $2,285 million, significantly outpacing its capacity growth, which saw available seat kilometres (ASKs) rise by 19.5 per cent to 45.1 billion from 2009's 37.8 billion.
The result marked continued progress towards the airline’s goal of break-even in 2011 and profitability in 2012. Passenger numbers topped seven million for the first time, up by 13.1 per cent to 7.099 million, while seat factors increased by 0.5 percentage points, to 74 per cent.Similarly, Revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) rose by 20.1 per cent from 27.8 billion to 33.4 billion. The airline confirmed that, as previously forecast, it had reported a positive earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, amortisation and rentals (EBITDAR) for the full year, the first time it had achieved this since it was formed in 2003.
"This is a result to celebrate," James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said, adding, "In a year in which we dealt with the continuing effects of global recession, erupting volcanoes, riots in Thailand, and severe weather across Europe at one of our busiest times of year, we were still able to deliver an impressive performance."
"We continued to invest in routes and infrastructure, adding seven new destinations during the year, as well as welcoming more than 800 new employees to the Etihad family. Yet despite this, we brought our costs down whilst increasing passenger numbers and yield," he said, adding that on top of all of this, the airlines is delighted when its investment in product and customer service was recognised when it were named the World’s Leading Airline for the second year running.
Etihad launched services to Alexandria, Baghdad, Colombo, Erbil, Nagoya, Seoul and Tokyo in 2010, as well as opening new premium lounges in Dublin and Manchester. Its fleet increased by six to 57 aircraft.
In August, the company announced a major new partnership with Virgin Blue, allowing the two airlines to offer a joint network of more than 100 destinations, as well as integrating their frequent flyer programmes. The airline’s cargo division performed particularly strongly in 2010, with revenues up by 57.4 per cent over 2009. This was bolstered by the airline’s developing route network as well as investment in dedicated freighters.
Etihad took delivery of two Airbus A330-200 freighters during the year, which joined its existing fleet of four cargo-only aircraft.
Hogan said the airline’s cost management programme was an important element of its performance during the year.“We began a cost reduction programme in 2010 to identify $250 million of annualised cost savings," he sai, adding that the outlook for 2011 was strong, with global operating conditions continuing to improve.
"We are seeing a growing confidence in many of our international markets, pointing to a strong performance in 2011. Premium travellers are returning, particularly on our ‘trunk routes’ into Europe, Asia and Australia, and forward bookings look positive.
Etihad Airways -- the national airline of United Arab Emirates that flies daily to Kathmandu -- has started a non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo making it more convienient for the passengers to fly to and from Tokyo linking Kathmandu from March 27. The daily flights will link Kathmandu with Abu Dhabi and Tokyo very conveniently without passengers having to wait for hours in transit.

Etihad Airways connects Kathmandu with Tokyo via Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways, the national airline of United Arab Emirates (UAE), has started a non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo making it more convinent for the passengers to fly to and from Tokyo linking Kathmandu.

The daily flights will link Kathmandu with Abu Dhabi and Tokyo very conveniently without passengers having to wait for hours in transit.

The inaugural flight -- EY878 -- departed Abu Dhabi on March 27 and landed at Narita Airport in Tokyo yesterday making it the first Middle Eastern airline to expand its service to the Japanese capital.

The flights will be operated by three-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft and will feature in-flight services dedicated to the Japanese market, including a tailored menu, local in-flight entertainment content and cabin crew consisting of a number of Japanese speakers and nationals.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' CEO said Etihad was delighted to be the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate to Tokyo, and was expecting a high volume of traffic on the route, particularly business travellers. "We also believe the variety of high profile attractions opening in Abu Dhabi in the coming years, including Ferrari World, The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, will be very attractive to Japanese leisure travellers," he said, adding that Japan is a key market for Etihad.

Buddha Air to fly high

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has permitted Buddha Air to begin international flights. Buddha Air has been granted permission to launch flights on Pokhara-Lucknow, Janakpur-Patna and Kathmandu-Thimphu routes. The flights to Bhutan will be launched within one-and-a-half month. However, flights on Patna-Lucknow route will take a little while. Buddha Air will launch internal flights through its 47-seater ATR 42 planes that are considered regional crafts. Later the service will be provided through 66-seater ATR 72 plane. Buddha Air will make four to six flights a week to Bhutan.

Asia-Pacific to see a surge in tourists arrival

KATHMANDU: The Executive Board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) on Monday released its forecasts of tourism demand across the Asia Pacific region for the next three years. At the aggregate level, international arrival numbers are predicted to increase by an average of around 2.7 per cent each year to 2012. Not surprisingly, these forecasts show a significant slowing in growth rates from the pre-financial crisis level of seven percent per annum. According to PATA Chairman Phornsiri Manoharn, the three-year projections are very much in line with expectations on how the global economy is expected to perform generally. Overall international arrivals growth to Asia Pacific destinations. On a sub-regional grouping basis, destinations that in aggregate, make up South Asia are forecast to grow the fastest at an average rate of +4.9 per cent per annum over the period to 2012, followed by Southeast Asia at +4.8 per cent.

Foreign airlines to promote Nepali tourism

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, has new plans to promote Nepali tourism.
"We are holding talks with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on how Etihad can support in promoting Nepali tourism," said Joost den Hartog, Etihad Airways' regional general manager for the Indian sub-continent, central and north Asia.
"The airlines is working for better connectivity between Nepal and the outer world so that more tourists can visit Nepal," he said adding that the airlines has been helping Nepali tourism grow by connecting Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi and beyond with the rest of the world.
Apart from that, Etihad Airways that started flying to Kathmandu since last year is selling a package of mountain flights to see Mt Everest and other Himalayan ranges in association with a Nepali private airliner -- Yeti Airlines. "From February, we are offering Etihad's frequent flyers a mountain flight that will definitely promote Nepal's tourism in Europe, where we are planning to sell this package," said Hartog, who believes that pricing -- considered a key factor for passengers -- depends on better connectivity.
Best products and better service has kept the airlines ahead of all others that fly to Kathmandu, he opined. "We have secured all market segments as we cater to the needs of every stratum," said Hartog.
Hartog, who has strong cross-culture experience in the airlines sector, also promised to bring more tourists to Nepal despite the recession as Nepal is still affordable. "Etihad will bring more inbound trourists as we have better connectivity," he said.
The Abu Dhabi-based airlines served more than six million passengers last year, alongwith 90,000 Nepalis living in the UAE and the Middle East.
Etihad's Kathmandu operations -- the 11th network in the Indian sub-continent -- are extremely popular among travellers flying to key destinations such as London, New York, Frankfurt, Doha, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
"During the first year, the airlines performed strongly with average seat factors of more than 89 per cent," he said, terming Etihad's operation in Nepal successful one.
Hartog said that despite the present economic gloom that has hit global air travel, the airlines was growing -- internationally and in the Nepali context as well. "Our market share has not decreased despite the recession. Rather, it's growing," he said.
Etihad Airways -- that serves Nepali workers working in the Middle East and inbound and outbound tourists of Nepal -- has been operating four flights a week by a two cabin Airbus A330-200 configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 business class and 240 economy class seats. The leading Middle East airliner has been operating in 50 destinations through 43 planes.