The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has assigned Janak Raj Kalakheti the responsibility of Acting General Manager of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), following a vacancy in the leadership of the national flag carrier. According to the ministry, Kalakheti will serve in the acting position until another arrangement is made. The decision is aimed at ensuring the corporation continues to operate under a functioning administrative leadership while a permanent appointment is awaited.
Leadership Vacancy at Nepal Airlines
The position of General Manager became vacant after the appointment of Maheshwar Bhakta Shrestha was annulled by the court. Following the court decision, the national flag carrier was left without a permanent head, creating the need for an interim leadership arrangement.
The ministry has therefore entrusted Kalakheti with the acting responsibility to maintain the corporation’s day-to-day administrative and managerial functions. As acting General Manager, Kalakheti is expected to oversee the corporation’s regular operations and administrative activities while the government works toward a longer-term leadership arrangement.
Importance for Nepal’s National Flag Carrier
Nepal Airlines plays a significant role in Nepal’s international and domestic aviation sector, connecting the country with various destinations and supporting the movement of tourists, migrant workers and other international travellers. Stable leadership is particularly important for the corporation as Nepal’s aviation industry continues to recover and expand.
Decisions related to fleet management, route operations, financial management, service improvement and international market expansion require consistent administrative direction. The appointment of an acting General Manager is therefore expected to provide continuity in the corporation’s management during the transition period.
Permanent Leadership Still Awaited
The latest decision is an interim arrangement, with Kalakheti’s responsibility continuing until the ministry makes another decision regarding the corporation’s leadership. The development comes amid ongoing attention toward the management and operational performance of Nepal Airlines, with the national carrier facing the broader challenges of maintaining financial sustainability, improving services and strengthening its position in the competitive aviation market. The ministry’s temporary leadership arrangement is expected to ensure that the corporation’s regular activities continue without disruption while the process for a more permanent leadership structure moves forward.
