Himalaya Airlines to operate Pokhara-Lhasa flights

Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) is going to see first regular international flight, almost two years after coming into operations. A Nepal-China joint airline company Himalaya Airlines is starting its regular international flights between Pokhara and Lhasa of China. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) confirmed the flights. "The Pokara-Lhasa flight is expected to start from the first week of January, 2025," the aviation sector regulator confirmed.

Himalaya Airlines has already submitted its schedule for the Pokhara-Lhasa route, informed CAAN joint spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul. "After almost two years, Pokhara Regional International Airport is expected to witness international flights," he said, adding that regular flights on the route could significantly boost the inflow of Chinese tourists to Pokhara.

Himalaya Airlines is planning to start flights on Pokhara-Lhasa route using a 144-seat Airbus A-319. "The flights will begin as soon as the Civil Aviation Administration of China grants permission,” Bhul said, adding that Nepal side has completed all necessary preparations.

According to the schedule, the airline will operate a Kathmandu-Lhasa-Pokhara flight on Mondays, spending the night in Pokhara before flying Pokhara-Lhasa-Kathmandu on Tuesdays. 

Himalaya Airlines is currently flying on Kathmandu-Lhasa route. But due to lack of passengers the flights -- earlier three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) -- have been reduced and irregular. But the airlines has prepared a new schedule and hopefully continue the regular flights.

Himalaya Airlines has also received approval for Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flights on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Himalaya Airlines resumes regular flights on Kathmandu-Beijing route

After an interval of three-year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Himalaya Airlines restarted regular flights between Kathmandu and Beijing from today.

Nepali ambassador to China Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, along with other passengers, flew to Beijing in the resumed first direct flight of the Himalayan Airlines from Kathmandu to Beijing, according to the airlines that has reassured that the scheduled flight operations between Kathmandu and Beijing will be operational every Saturday. "The new service will provide a convenient and efficient travel option for passengers seeking to explore the dynamic cities of Beijing and Kathmandu."

The airline also believes that the resumption of this flight route will be a significant boost to both Nepalese tourism and trade.

The Kathmandu-Beijing-Kathmandu route – that has commenced on June 24, 2023 – departed from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu at 7:40 hours (local time) and will arrive at Beijing Daxing International Airport at 14:15 hours (local time) in Beijing, with a flight duration of 4-hour-and-45 minutes. "The return flight, H9 666, will depart from Beijing at 15:25 hours (local time) and land in Kathmandu at 18:30 hours (local time)," the airliner informed.

"We are thrilled to initiate scheduled flights between Kathmandu and Beijing, especially after the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic," expressed vice president of the airline Bijay Shrestha. Emphasising that this route will enhance the airline's international presence, Shrestha informed that passengers can now book tickets for the Kathmandu-Beijing-Kathmandu flight at the Himalaya Airlines ticketing counter. "The company is confident that the resumption of this route will facilitate convenient and efficient travel options for individuals commuting between Beijing and Kathmandu, benefiting Nepal's tourism and business sectors."

Himalaya Airlines Connects Kathmandu to Kuwait

Expanding its international footprint and making Kuwait as its eighth international scheduled destination and sixth Gulf city, Himalaya Airlines successfully conducted its first scheduled flight to Kuwait yesterday.

The scheduled flight took off from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) yesterday at 22:32 hours, which returned to Kathmandu at 09:17 hours today morning, according to the airlines. “The flight inaugural event was graced by general manager of TIA  Prem Nath Thakur as the chief guest along with other special guests. The airline will operate weekly one non-stop flight to Kuwait every Friday and return back to Kathmandu every Saturday, it adds.

The country of Arabian Peninsula, Kuwait is a significant travel destination for Nepalis especially to those who travel to the city for employment and business purposes. As it is a verity that Nepal and Kuwait enjoy friendly and cordial relationship, the inauguration of Kathmandu-Kuwait-Kathmandu sector by Himalaya Airlines will further strengthen this connection between the two nations, a press note issued by the airlines read, adding that Nepal and Kuwait had concluded Air Services Agreement on January 23, 2006. “Himalaya Airlines takes great pride in becoming the first carrier from Nepal to connect Kathmandu directly with Kuwait.”

After the operation of this sector, the Airline also hopes that movement of people of both the countries for employment, trade, and tourism will be further elevated.

“Himalaya Airlines is a progressive airline company that seeks to provide efficient international air transport service to passengers,” vice-president (administration) Vijay Shrestha said, on the occasion. “The Kathmandu-Kuwait-Kathmandu sector has been introduced by Himalaya with the same spirit.”

“For the national economy and the airline severely hit by the Covid-19 Pandemic and current Ukraine crisis, the launching of service in this new route may add some comfort,” he added.

The airline’s Airbus 320 will be deployed on this route. Bookings are now open for which passengers can contact the sales office of Himalaya Airlines or nearest travel agency, the private airlines claimed.

Himalaya Airlines becomes the first airline in Nepal to get quality certification

Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal-China-Joint Venture, has become the first airline in Nepal to successfully achieve ISO 9001-2015 QMS certification.

The airline has received the certificate on December 29, 2021 in recognition of the organisation’s Quality Management System (QMS), which complies with ISO 9001- 2015, according to a press note issued by the company today. "The airlines earned the ISO certificate for 'Providing Air Transport for Traveling Passengers and Freight, including Aviation Related Training Services'," it reads.

Earlier to this, Himalaya had acquired its first ISO certification for Quality Management System of Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Services in August 2020, the company claimed, adding that ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognised quality management standard developed and published by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), which ensures that the products and services meet the needs of customers, through an effective quality management system. "ISO 9001:2015 certificate no 120057/A/0001/UK/En was issued to Himalaya Airlines by United Registrar of System and United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)."

Fulfilling meticulous documentation processes, Himalaya successfully completed the audit process, verifying that the company’s QMS satisfies all the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, it adds.

Congratulating the team for ISO certification, president of Himalaya Airlines Zhou Enyong said that it was a proud moment for Himalaya to receive ISO 9001-2015 certification and a noteworthy achievement of the team effort. "It is a continuing process for the company and we shall continue to optimize the standardization of work with due compliance at all levels," he added.

"This indeed is a remarkable accomplishment for team Himalaya," vice president of Himalaya Airlines Vijay Shrestha said, adding that with the collaborative efforts of the team to maintain high documentation standards companywide, H9 has been able to acquire this ISO certification. "This demonstrates Himalaya’s dedication for high performance work practices and is a significant confirmation of our ongoing commitment to quality."

Himalaya Airlines fleet now flying with life-saving AEDs onboard

 Adhering to its key guiding principle of ‘Safety’, Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal-China joint venture, has this week introduced Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) onboard all its fleet comprising of three A320s and one A319.

"To ensure flying with Himalaya is safer than ever before, Himalaya has now included AED, a life-saving device on board," a press note issued by the airlines, reads, adding that with this, Himalaya Airlines stands to be the first ever and the only Nepali airlines to carry AEDs onboard. "An AED is a portable device that automatically diagnoses and treats the life-threatening sudden cardiac arrest."

AED helps to quickly shock someone's heart and try to save their life if they collapse, have no pulse, and stop breathing. "Within past few weeks all cabin crew of H9 have received a thorough training for proper usage of AEDs."

Himalaya Airlines fulfills its annual CSR commitment

 As a part of its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment of 2020 towards Prayas Nepal, Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal-China joint venture, yet again extended its support to the children of the organisation under its CSR banner. 

The Airlines donated yearlong supply of notebooks on the New Year Eve, according to a press note issued by the airlines. “Considering the ongoing pandemic, the airlines this year prudently added the Covid-19 essential supplies as well to the contribution,” it reads.

During a brief visit to Prayas Nepal on December 31, the officials of Himalaya Airlines handed over the educational and medical supplies to Prayas Nepal office bearers maintaining all the Covid-19 safety protocols. “The contribution included 1,650 notebooks, two infrared thermometers, 24 bottles of hand sanitizers and 1,000 surgical face masks,” the press note reads, adding that with its continuous contribution of essential educational and snack, grocery supplies over past 3 years, Himalaya has been able to make a difference in lives of Prays Nepal children. “Many of the students have been able to successfully continue their educational pursuit.”

This year too, a total of 27 students aged between 8 and 20 years will be receiving the yearlong school necessities to follow their academic courses, it adds. “The additional supply of Covid-19 essentials is aimed to safeguard the children from Covid-19.”

“2020 has been a year of uncertainty and dampened spirits, especially for children all over,” according to head of Department – Brand and Service Improvement – Ujjwala Dali. “Fear of Covid-19 spread and social distancing has hit hardly to schools and colleges,” she said adding that however with vaccines around the corner, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and educational institutions are now gearing up to reopen. “With our persistent pledge to make meaningful contributions, we thought this is the right time to fulfill our annual commitment to Prays Nepal and we are determined to continue our support to the organisation’s efforts to groom the children in all walks of life.”

“We are sincerely thankful to Himalaya Airlines for their continual support to our children, since 2017,” president of Prayas Nepal Mani Joshi said while expressing gratitude on the occasion. “Himalaya’s contribution every year has not only helped in boosting morals of our children in this pandemic year but has also inspired us to ardently strive for the better upkeep of our children,” she said, informing that Prayas Nepal is a non-profit social organisation providing shelter especially to orphan, abandoned, abused and physically challenged children from different parts of Nepal, continuously striving to provide education and skillful trainings.

Himalaya Airlines, an international air carrier is a Nepal-China joint venture, has been established in August 2014.

Himalaya Airlines to start fifth-phase repatriation flights

 The Himalaya Airlines is starting fifth phase of repatriation flights from August 16.

The airlines – authorised by the government to bring back home Nepalis stranded in different countries due to Covid-19 pandemic – will continue its repatriation flights till August 30, a press note issued by the airliner reads, adding that the airfare of the repatriation flights varies from $372 to $465 depending on the destination country. “The airlines will conduct flights on August 16, 18 and 20 to bring back Nepalis from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, whereas Nepalis stranded in Doha will be repatriated via three flights on August 17, 23 and 29.”

Likewise, four chartered flights will be operated to bring back Nepalis from Dammam of Saudi Arabia on August 19, 22, 25 and 27 respectively, the airlines confirmed, adding that it will operate another four flights, one each on – August 24, 26, 28 and 30 – to bring back Nepalis from Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “Likewise, there will be one flight on August 21 that will evacuate Nepalis from Kuwait.”

Himalaya Airlines to operate two repatriation flights to Kunming

Himalaya Airlines is operating two repatriation flights to Kunming of China on July 31.
The company – issuing a press note today – said that it is carrying out the repatriation flights to bring back Nepalis, who are stranded in Kunming of China due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The government has permitted and authorised the airliner to carry out repatriation flights to Kunming, the press note reads, adding that two aircraft will be sent to China to bring Nepalis, who want to return Nepal. “The passengers will be allowed to bring 30-kg check-in baggage and 7-kg hand carry.”
The airliner has fixed $445 fare for the respective flights.
Meanwhile, the airline company said that it will operate the flights only, if the aircraft has 85 per cent occupancy. All passengers are required to present proof that their PCR or RDT test is negative at the time of the booking, the press note reads, adding that the passengers will have to mandatorily stay in quarantine upon arrival as per the rules enforced by the government.
The airline has evacuated Nepalis stranded abroad since the government announced the guidelines to bring back Nepalis wanting to come back home. Covid-19 has left many Nepali migrant workers jobless abroad including in China. Though the government has been repatriating stranded Nepalis from different countries through special charter flights, Nepal is resuming regular aviation service – both domestic and international flights – from August 17. The government had suspended all domestic and international flights from March 22 to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the country. 

Himalaya Airlines continues its support to fight against Covid-19

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to support the government’s ongoing efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, Himalaya Airlines last week donated a portable ventilator and other medical items to AMDA Hospital of Damak in Jhapa and a PCR machine to Covid-19 Control Management Centre (CCMC) Gulmi.
Himalaya Airlines – last Saturday on July 19 – donated a PCR (NAE-32, ICTOB-16) machine and other essential medical supplies: 51200 disposable medical masks, 606 medical face shields, 575 medical goggles, 40 medical infrared thermometers, 35 pairs of protective boots and 5000 pairs of disposable gloves to Covid-19 Control Management Centre (CCMC) Gulmi, according to a press note of the airlines. ”The donation was handed over jointly by foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and vice president of Himalaya Airlines Vijay Shrestha, in Gulmi in the premises of CCMC to the Mayor of Resunga Municipality Dilli Raj Bhusal.
“Any amount of medical supplies is not enough at this time of crisis, we are thankful to Himalaya Airlines for their abiding support at the time when then the nation along with whole world is going through the difficult phase,” foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said, speaking on the occasion. “These critical supplies are very timely,” he said, adding that their use will help protect our health workers, who are at the frontlines working tirelessly to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Himalaya Airlines is proud to continue its support with the government in its efforts to contain Covid-19,” vice president of the airlines Vijay Shrestha said. “In this difficult period, it is our civic duty to support the government,” he said, adding that the donated PPE supplies reiterate Himalaya’s long-term commitment to serve beyond the call of our duty and help the nation in every possible way.
Continuing the support – today – president of Himalaya Airlines Zhou Enyong handed over a portable ventilator along with500 RDT Kits, 100 PPE sets, 500 N-95 masks, 2000 pairs of surgical masks, 5000 pairs of disposable gloves and 5 infrared thermometers to AMDA Hospital of Damak in Jhapa, where principal private secretary of Prime Minister Indra Bhandari thanked Himalaya Airlines, while receiving the donated PPE materials on behalf of the hospital.
“Our consistent commitment and business value is first of all, to serve and make contribution to the country and society,” Zhou Enyong remarked, speaking on the occasion. “During the pandemic, though the airline itself is going through a crucial phase, facing many difficulties; we have made our best efforts to contribute in various ways, be it with donating funds or medical supplies or by operating Cargo flights for critical supplies and repatriation flights to various destinations for the stranded citizens of the country without any employee layoffs,” he added.
Since the beginning of the deadly pandemic, Himalaya Airlines has been continuously striving to support the nation in many ways; apart from the contribution of 10 million to government’s Covid-19 Fund, the Airlines has till date operated 24 charter flights to bring in total of 177 tonnes of critical medical supplies and has successfully operated 63 Repatriation flights to bring back home 10140 stranded Nepalis safely maintaining all Covid-19 safety protocols.

International, domestic flights to resume from August 17

The government has decided to resume international and domestic flights operation from August 17.
A cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Baluwatar today took the decision to resume the flights that have been halted since March 22.
According to tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai, the cabinet meeting endorsed the proposal forwarded by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA). “The cabinet has also directed the ministry to prepare a detailed safety guideline to resume the flights as the threat of coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to remain in the country,” he said, adding that the cabinet meeting has decided to resume all regular commercial flights. “
The government had decided to suspend all domestic and international flights on March 22 to contain the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19). However, the government has started chartered rescue flights – with safety protocol – to evacuate Nepalis stranded in foreign lands.
Currently, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Himalaya Airlines, apart from some international airliners, have been operating chartered flights with safety protocol.

Himalaya Airlines departs to Chongqing to bring Covid -19 medical supplies

Having operated four successful cargo charters to Guangzhou and Changsha over the last fortnight Himalaya Airlines is now operating a few more cargo charters to various cities in China this month.
The third city in a row is Chongqing where the airlines is operating two flights today and tomorrow, according to the airlines. “Both flights will ship back medical supplies essential to contain the spread of Covid-19.”
After operating scheduled flights to Beijing, the airlines had established scheduled connectivity with Chongqing as its fifth destination in China, on January 23, operating a weekly direct flight.
A320-214, 9N ALW departed Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu today and is scheduled to reach Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport midnight, a press note from the airlines reads, adding that the return flight is scheduled to take off at 04:35 hours (local time) the next day with medical supplies and is expected to arrive in Kathmandu at 06:30 hours.
“With recent surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country and the increasing need for essential medical supplies, there has been a sudden increase in demand for cargo charters and we are happy to have struck a deal for few more charters this month from different cities of China,” vice president of Himalaya Airlines Vijay Shrestha said, adding that Chongqing is one of the prominent destinations in China where the airlines had commenced flights just before Covid-19 outbreak. “We are eager to reconnect with the destination, albeit this time only for the cargo.”
Himalaya is committed to extending support to all stakeholders to meet the increasing needs of the nation for maintaining critical supply chains to battle against Covid-19,” he added.
The operating crew of the flight departed TIA complying with all the necessary health safety measures as per the directives of the government, the airlines claimed, adding that the aircraft is bringing Covid-19 medical supplies such as medical equipment, testing kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks, and gloves.

Himalaya Airlines resumes direct flights to Malaysia

Himalaya Airlines has resumed its direct flights to the capital of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur.
The joint venture between Nepali private sector and China has resumed direct flights to the Malaysian capital from today, according to a press note issued by Himalaya Airlines that has started the direct flights after a long gap due to discontinuation of labour visa permit to Malaysia.
The airlines had started first direct flight to Kuala Lumpur since February 10, 2017 but suspended the service from November 2018, after the government stopped providing labour permit to migrant workers going on foreign employment to Malaysia.
“Himalaya Airlines now resumed the direct flights to make Visit Nepal Year 2020 a grand success,” the press note reads, adding that the airlines aims at drawing tourists from Malaysia to Nepal and contribute to tourism promotion. “The airlines company will operate flight to Kuala Lumpur on Monday and Tuesday.”
Flights between Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur will also provide important business opportunities to the passengers from both countries, Himalaya Airlines vice president Bijaya Shrestha said, adding that it will play a significant role in promoting bilateral trade, human resources and tourism. “A strong demand from both the markets on the route and with the revised memorandum of understanding between Nepal and Malaysia hints at the possibility of increased passenger traffic on the sector.”
Likewise, the company has also said that with these new flights, the company aims to boost the connectivity of Nepal among Asia-Pacific region.
The airlines company – established in August 2014 – is currently operating flights to eight different destinations from its three A 320 aircraft. It operates flights to Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Guiyang and Changsha. Himalaya Airlines has also recently started commercial flights to two destinations in China.
According to Shrestha, the airline company plans to add three A319-115 series aircraft to its fleet by 2020 and expand its services to Lhasa.

Himalaya Airlines starts flights on Kathmandu-Changsha route

Himalaya Airlines launched its service connecting Kathmandu to Changsha, the capital of central China’s Hunan province, from today.
As the Nepal-China joint venture international airline explores its new markets before the Visit Nepal Year 2020, it aims at promoting and capturing the outbound tourism potential of the province into Nepal, according to vice president – Administration Vijay Shrestha.
“With the new service, Nepalis will have a convenient, economical and direct connection to explore this new destination in China,” the airlines said, adding that it introduced its newest flight route between Kathmandu and Changsha, after Guiyang.
Himalaya Airlines flies every Wednesday from Kathmandu to Changsha and back, it adds.
The maiden flight today departed from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 11:03 hours and touched down Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) at 17:19 hours (local time). The return flight departed from CSX at 18:28 hours (local time) and touched down TIA at 21:23 hours on the same day.
“Apart from Beijing and Guiyang, we believe Kathmandu needs more connectivity to other cities of China; in order to take optimum advantage of China’s travel potential,” Shrestha said, adding that the new route will strengthen the Nepal-China connectivity.
China has also placed Nepal as a new leisure destination, which is one of the driving reasons for increased Chinese visitors into Nepal over the past few years.
Himalaya Airlines president Zhou Enyoung, on the occasion, shared that the increasing presence of the airlines in China by adding Guiyang and Changsha in addition to its existing Beijing flights will help develop Himalaya network, offering customers new routes and more robust year-round schedules.

Himalaya Airlines begins Beijing flights

Himalaya Airlines today launched its maiden flight to Beijing, establishing the historical direct connectivity between the capital cities of the two countries.
It will be operating a thrice-weekly flight on Kathmandu-Beijing route, according to the airlines.
The airfare on Kathmandu-Beijing starts from Rs 35,000 for one-way, the airline said, adding that the new flight is the latest move in Himalaya Airlines business strategy of network expansion to boost Nepal’s connection with China, which is the second largest source market of tourists. “The airline’s growth in network follows the revised air services agreement between Nepal and China in July, which opened up five new points in China for Nepali airlines for 2019 and three more for 2020.”
According to the president of Himalaya Airlines Zhou Enyong, the flight will attract more Chinese tourists, especially from North China to Nepal. “The route is expected to ship over 40,000 Chinese passengers a year to Nepal to spend money on travel and, to make investment or have business cooperation, which will create a new engine for the development of the tourism industry chain and for all kinds of economic activities in Nepal.”
During the inauguration, tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai said that connectivity with China will contribute to Nepal’s target to host 500,000 Chinese travellers as part of Visit Nepal 2020 (VNY2020) campaign.
“Nepal is an important international tourist destination and it is also the first choice for Chinese tourists among South Asian countries,” Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi said, on the occasion.
Bhattarai and Yanqi along with tourism secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari and high ranking officials from Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) were present for the pre departure inaugural flight cake cutting ceremony organised at the Radisson Airport Restaurant.
“The addition of Beijing route is part of the carrier’s wider commitment to Visit Nepal campaign to attract more Chinese tourists,” vice president– administration of Himalaya Airlines Vijay Shrestha said, adding that in the context of Belt and Road Initiative as well, Himalaya Airlines aims to open up new avenues for the corporate and industrial sector. “Himalaya Airlines is planning to go to three new destinations: Guiyang, Changsha and Nanchang soon to improve access to the Chinese market.”
The Nepal-China joint venture airline is catering the growing demand among the business and leisure passengers between the two countries after the new flight to Beijing that will provide seamless connectivity options for business people as well as tourists from China, offering yet more choice and convenience to our passengers.
Himalaya Airlines – an international air carrier is a Nepal-China joint Venture – established in August 2014 proudly owns the young fleet of three A320-214 series of narrow-body aircraft with the configuration of 8 Business class and 150 Economy class seats and has plans to add two A319 in its fleet in the near future to fly Trans-Himalayan ranges and launch flights to Lhasa.
The airlines is now focusing to build its connectivity with China; with its first flight to Beijing, the airlines will be spreading its wings to Changsha, Nanchang, Guiyang, Chongqing, Ali and Shenzhen.
Meanwhile, Himalaya Airline's Kathmandu-Beijing flight H9 665 landed in Beijing at 17:10 hours, according to the airlines. The first-ever direct commercial flight between Kathmandu and Beijing was welcomed at Beijing's Daxing International Airport by vice chairperson of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China Luo Mei, ambassador of Nepal to China Leela Mani Paudyal, as well as other high-level dignitaries from the Chinese Government.
Speaking at a function to welcome the flight from Kathmandu, ambassador Paudyal said that the direct flight between the capital cities of Nepal and China will herald a new dawn in strengthening civil aviation cooperation between the two countries, and expressed the hope that it would help promote bilateral relations in trade, investment and people-to-people.
The inaugural flight from Kathmandu to Beijing had 59 passengers, and on the return flight from Beijing to Kathmandu it has 70 passengers.

First Kathmandu-Beijing flight to take off on Sunday

Marking the first-ever capital-to-capital direct flight between Nepal and China, Himalaya Airlines is starting its flight to Beijing from Sunday.
The flight will depart from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 8:30 am local time and reach Daxing International Airport at 4:10 pm local time, according to the private airliner. “The return flight leaves at 5:40 pm and reaches Kathmandu at 9:45 pm the same day.”
Himalaya Airlines will operate two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Fridays till November 8 using an Airbus A320 jet, it confirmed, adding that from November 10, it plans to operate three weekly flights on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. “The Kathmandu-Beijing flight is 5 hours 30 minutes long.”
Himalaya Airlines, earlier planned to operate Airbus A319 aircraft on the Kathmandu-Beijing route but the plan to lease the plane has been postponed due to new rule in the Foreign Investment and Transfer of Technology Act (FITTA). According to the act, the foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal needs to be approved even for leasing planes. Thus, the airlines is flying Airbus A320 jet on Kathmandu-Beijing route.
“All preparations for the Beijing service have been completed,” said vice-president of administration of Himalaya Airlines Vijay Shrestha. “We have targeted to bring around 40,000 tourists from China annually,” he said, adding that the airlines plans to contribute to the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.
Along with Beijing, Himalaya Airlines is also preparing to fly to other Chinese destinations including Guiyang, Changsha and Nanchang from November.
Though, five Chinese carriers including Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines and Tibet Airlines operate flights to Nepal, Himalaya Airlines will become the first airlines to fly to China. Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) – that used to operate services to the Japanese city of Osaka via Shanghai until 2008 under fifth freedom rights – is also planning to fly to Beijing soon.
Nepal and China – in July – signed a revised bilateral air services agreement, which allows 98 weekly flights between the two countries on a reciprocal basis, an increase from the existing 70 flights per week.
Since tourist arrivals from China witnessed the strongest growth of 46.8 per cent to 153,602 in 2018 also due to increased flight frequencies between the two countries, the flights of Himalaya Airlines and Nepal Airlines Corporation is expected to increase the Chinese tourist arrivals in 2020, when Nepal will celebrate Visit Nepal Year 2020 (VNY2020).  

Himalaya Airlines to start direct flight to Beijing from October 27

Himalaya Airlines will be conducting direct flight between Kathmandu and Beijing from October 27.
The Nepal-China joint venture has already made all preparations to start direct flight linking the capital cities of Nepal and China, according to the Himalaya Airlines. “We have completed all necessary preparations in regard to the operation of the direct flight from October 27,” confirmed the airlines.
The airlines will fly Airbus A-320 carrier to Beijing thrice a week, it said, adding that the direct flight between the two capital cities is going to be possible with the operation of the Daxing International Airport in Beijing.
The Airlines aims to consolidate its operation across Chinese cities gradually in consideration of the growing influx of Chinese tourists to Nepal. The Airlines is also hopeful that the direct flight on these routes will help promote the government's Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.
Likewise, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is also planning to start the direct flight between Kathmandu and Beijing soon. The Himalaya Airlines claimed that it will soon start its operation in three other cities in China including Guan, Changsa and Nanjing, within 2019.

Himalaya Airlines changes share holdings, launches new brand identity

With the change in shareholding, Himalaya Airlines has launched its brand identity with a new logo sporting a soaring eagle amidst the Himalayan peaks.
The Nepal-China joint venture private international carrier is preparing to transfer the Chinese ownership of the company. Currently, Tibet Airlines has 49 per cent share in the company, while Yeti World Investment Pvt Ltd has 51 per cent share. But the company is preparing to transfer the share of Tibet Airlines to Tibet Civil Aviation Development and Investment Company – a fully Chinese government-owned undertaking – vice president of Himalaya Airlines Vijay Shrestha said, adding that the new Chinese firm will have 65 per cent share while Nepali company will hold 35 per cent share in the company with the new organisational structure.
“The deal with Tibet Civil Aviation Development and Investment had been completed, and that the formal process to obtain foreign direct investment approval from the Department of Industry has started,” he added. “Although the Nepali company will have 35 per cent share at the moment that ratio is likely to be revised in the coming days.”
The remaking of brand is founded on Himalaya’s key guiding principles of Safety, Performance, Customer Service, Winning Spirit, and Proper Practice as well as its ongoing efforts to expand its network in the Asian region, Shrestha explained during a press meet in Kathmandu today.
“The new corporate logo comes after a well-thought out strategic planning, he claimed, adding that Himalaya Airlines has been thriving to excel in all aspects of the business since its establishment in 2014. “Having started with one aircraft and one destination, the airlines has progressively moved its way to three A320 and five destinations in a span of three years.”
The Airlines has strong presence in the Middle East connecting to Abu Dhabi, Dammam and Doha. Likewise, it launched Kathmandu-Dhaka flights just two months ago on July 22, 2019 and is intent to consolidate its operation on this route. “As a part of the evolution process, it is now changing its corporate logo to a brand new design symbolising its strength, harmony and peace,” said Himalaya Airlines president Zhou Enyong and vice president Vijay Shrestha, unveiling the new logo in at the press meet.
“Over the past five years, we’ve built a reputation for safety and reliability,” Shrestha said, adding that the idea of the brand refresh emerged through some significant changes within the company, leading to evolve company’s existing logo giving a new face.
“We have worked tirelessly to bring new changes and meaningful improvements in the organisation to provide the best services to our passengers,” Enyong – on the occasion – said, adding that the company has been continuously giving its best efforts to establish Himalaya Airlines as a leading airline not only in Nepal but also in Asia. “As a result of our relentless efforts, we shall soon be adding Lhasa, Beijing and other prominent cities of China to our ever evolving network.”
“We will begin direct services between Kathmandu and Beijing on October 27,” Shrestha said, adding that the private Nepali carrier plans to operate three weekly flights to Beijing Daxing International Airport. “Himalaya Airlines also plans to resume flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 27.”
The airlines is also hopeful of operating services to the Indian capital.
Starting with one aircraft and one destination the airlines quickly moved its way to three aircraft and 5 destinations in a short span, informed Himalaya Airlines that is also planning to add two A319 in its fleet in the near future.

Himalaya Airlines join hands with AOC-N to boost their CSR Activities

Himalaya Airlines – an international air carrier – joined hands with Airlines Operating Committee (AOC)-Nepal (AOC-N) to fortify its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiative of contributing for the betterment of the society. Consortium of airlines came in together with AOC-N, for their annual welfare activity today. Under AOC-N’s banner, this year’s welfare activity was carried out to support Matatirtha Bridhashram Samiti located at Matatirtha, Kathmandu, a press note from the airlines reads.
Acknowledging the need for the extra care, for the health and hygiene of the elderly ladies, Himalaya Airlines’ contribution of the supplies of cleaning materials included: soaps, detergents, toiletries, towels, brooms and the hair trimmers on the special request for the occupants of the old age home, the note reads, adding that Matatirtha Bridhashram Samiti located about 15-km west of Kathmandu was established in 1997 and provides shelter to the female citizens of Nepal over 60 years of age who are needy,without shelter, without guardians and in need of care and attention. “Apart from the food, shelter, and clothing they provide health services along with the religious and entertainment programmes for the residents.” A total of 25 elderly women and 5 helpers reside in this Old Age Home.
While handing over the goods to the Samiti Manager Ram Thapa, head of Department of Brand and Service Improvement Ujjwala Dali said that Himalaya Airlines appreciates AOC-N’s sincere efforts for this great initiation and is thankful for including us to contribute our share to this Samiti. “We are honoured to be a part of this solicitous activity as H9 is always keen to join hands for the welfare of the society,” she sadia, adding that sheltering these mothers and nurturing them at the times they need most, is a very noble task shouldered by Matatirtha Bridhashram Samiti. “Himalaya Airlines is determined to further extend the helping hands to the Samiti on a more frequent basis and requests all the other organisations as well as the individuals to join in together to support these mothers.”

Himalaya Airlines gets green signal to operate flights to Beijing

Himalaya Airlines is going to begin the first direct service between Kathmandu and Beijing by the end of October, which is going to give a major boost to the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.
The authorities hope to attract at least half a million visitors from northern neighbour China and the start of the Himalaya Airlines will help achieve the targeted numerb of Chinese visitors, according to Himalaya Airlines vice-president of administration Vijay Shrestha. “The private airliner plans to operate three weekly flights to Beijing Daxing International Airport,” he said, confirming that China has granted operating authorisation, and preparations are being made to conduct the maiden flight to the Chinese capital. “The airline is in the process of acquiring an Airbus A319 narrow-body jet that can carry up to 160 passengers for the Beijing flight.”
As Himalaya Airlines becomes the first Nepali carrier to fly directly to China, the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines is also waiting for clearance from Chinese authorities to fly to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Nepal and China – in July – signed a revised bilateral air services agreement (ASA) allowing 98 weekly flights between the two countries on a reciprocal basis, increasing the flights from the current 70 flights a week.
Not a single Nepali airline flies to China at present, though five Chinese carriers including Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines and Tibet Airlines operate flights to Kathmandu.
Nepal Airlines used to fly to Japanese city of Osaka via Shanghai until 2008 under fifth freedom rights. Bugt with the closure of Osaka flights, NAC couldnot use the rights too.
Nepal Airlines, though applied in 2015, for landing permission at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, it is still pending.
After the revision of the ASA in July in Beijing, the northern neighbour also agreed to expedite the process of issuing operating authorisation to Nepal Airlines and Himalayan Airlines. The Chinese authority is visiting Kathmandu in October to conduct an internal audit of Nepal Airlines – a procedure before allowing the carrier to operate services to China – which is expected to give the NAC chance to fly to Guangzhou.
According to the spokesperson of Nepal Airlines Ganesh Bahadur Chand, “The airlines had requested Chinese authority to come in August, but due to their busy schedule, they have scheduled their visit for October. “Once the audit clears NAC, it will connect Kathmandu with Guangzhou.”
The Himalaya Airlines also is planning to operate Kathmandu-Lhasa and Kathmandu-Beijing services by October.
Nepal is planning to bring in at least 500,000 Chinese tourists in 2020. The arrivals from China witnessed an increament of 46.8 per cent to 153,602 in 2018.

Himalayan Airlines to begin Kathmandu-Dhaka flight from tomorrow

The Himalayan Airlines – one of the private carriers in the country – is going to start its Kathmandu-Dhaka flight from tomorrow.
The Airlines, which has a fleet of three new Airbus 320-200, will start its direct flight in the route to facilitate the influx of Bangladeshi tourists visiting Nepal. According to Himalaya Airlines' vice-president Bijaya Shrestha, there would be three Kathmandu-Dhaka flights in a week.
According to him, the Himalayan Airline's aircraft with H9 678 call sign will fly from Kathmandu at 11:10 am local time and will land at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 13:10 pm according to their local time.
The same day aircraft with call sign H9 679 will fly from Dhaka at 2:10 pm local time of Bangladesh and will land at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 3:20, he said, adding that the Airlines will operate its A320-214 narrow-bodied aircraft in the Kathmandu-Dhaka route with 150 economy class and eight premium economy class seats.
The airlines have offered 25 kg of free checked-in baggage allowance in the economy class and 20 kg in the premium economy. It is currently operating regular flights to three destinations in Qatar as well.
A total of 26,255 Bangladeshi tourists visited Nepal in 2018 while the number of Bangladeshi tourists visiting Nepal in 2017 stood at 29,060, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).