KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati has said up to ten new aircraft will be procured for Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) in the current fiscal year.
During his meeting with a group of students at his official residence in Pulchowk, Lalitpur today, Minister Kirati said the decision to add more aircraft for the national flag carrier aimed at ending anomalies in the airfare. "There is no alternative to intervening in the airfares by enhancing the capacity of NAC. He stressed the need to buy more aircraft for NAC to promote tourist arrival, as well. The procurement procedures will begin shortly, he added.
The NAC is preparing to purchase three twin-otters for domestic flights increasing their numbers to five, it is said.
According to Civil Aviation Minister Kirati, NAC has launched its flights from Nepaligunj airport to rural areas throughout the Dashain festival. He pledged to sit for talks with authorities concerned to prevent the potential allocation of air tickets on the black market during festivals.
The students' delegation led by Nepal Students Union President Dujang Sherpa handed a memorandum to the minister, demanding the containment of possible distributions of air tickets on the black market during festivals.
The NSU further urged the NAC to operate flights targeting mountain routes and remote areas for the convenience of travellers during festival seasons.
