Prime Minister Sushila Karki has directed Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to expedite the return of the A-320 aircraft engine currently in Israel and resume full operations of the aircraft without delay.
PM Questions Operational Lapses of Nepal Airlines
At a high-level meeting held today at Singha Durbar, the Prime Minister questioned the airline’s management and board officials over the delay in bringing back the grounded engine and the continued reliance on a rented engine. PM Karki expressed concern over the mismanagement and additional costs incurred due to the delay.
“Our own engine has been lying idle, while rental costs continue to rise. This cannot be tolerated,” she said. She urged the airline to take decisive action, whether through the Board of Directors or the management team, to ensure results are delivered promptly.
No Procedural Excuses Accepted
PM Karki emphasized that bureaucratic procedures or delays should not prevent the airline, a public investment institution, from operating efficiently. She instructed officials not to allow the grounded aircraft situation to persist, stressing the importance of protecting taxpayers’ money.
The Prime Minister further encouraged decision-makers to act boldly in the interest of the nation, the people, and the institution. “Do not fear taking correct and timely decisions. Fear only arises when wrongdoing occurs, not when taking proper action,” she stated.
High-Level Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Hari Prasad Mainali, NAC Chairman Bikram Rai, Acting General Manager Jankaraj Kalakheti, and other senior management and board officials.
The Prime Minister’s intervention underscores the government’s focus on strengthening operational efficiency at state-owned enterprises and ensuring that strategic assets such as aircraft are fully functional and cost-effective.
Ensuring Accountability and Timely Action
By calling out delays and demanding accountability, PM Karki is sending a clear message that public institutions must serve citizens efficiently. Her directives are expected to fast-track the retrieval of the A-320 engine from Israel, reduce dependence on costly rental engines, and restore full operational capacity for Nepal Airlines.
The meeting highlighted the government’s commitment to transparent management and timely execution in state-owned corporations, aiming to safeguard public resources and improve the quality of services in the civil aviation sector.
