Nepal Airlines Corporation faces the risk of further disruption to its international flight operations as decisions on major engine overhauls for its two Airbus A330 widebody aircraft remain unresolved. According to the latest report, one aircraft could reach its engine operating cycle limit within about a month, while the second is expected to require an overhaul within approximately two months.
The two aircraft of Nepal Airlines, named Annapurna (9N-ALY) and Makalu (9N-ALZ), each have two engines requiring major maintenance. Under the airline’s operating requirements, the engines must undergo an overhaul after completing the prescribed flight cycles. If the maintenance and replacement-engine arrangements are not finalised in time, the aircraft could be withdrawn from service to comply with technical requirements.
Incomplete Board and Tender Process Delay Maintenance
The Nepal Airlines has yet to finalise the selection of an international company to overhaul the four engines and arrange leased replacement engines while the existing units undergo maintenance. The process requires formal decisions by Nepal Airlines’ board and procurement through an international tender, but the board’s incomplete composition has reportedly complicated decision making.
Previous procurement attempts have also faced difficulties attracting eligible international bidders. The airline and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation are discussing ways to address issues surrounding tender requirements, including financial guarantees that have reportedly discouraged potential suppliers. Acting General Manager Janak Raj Kalakheti has said the outstanding matters are expected to be resolved within three weeks.
Engine Maintenance Could Cost More Than Rs 7 Billion
The reported estimate for overhauling all four engines exceeds Rs 7 billion, reflecting the substantial cost of maintaining the airline’s widebody fleet. The report places the estimated cost of overhauling a single engine at approximately US$12 million, although the final expenditure will depend on the procurement arrangements and the terms agreed with the selected service provider.
Nepal Airlines must also comply with its financial regulations and public procurement requirements when selecting maintenance providers and leasing replacement engines. The airline’s procurement framework requires competitive bidding for purchases and services above the prescribed threshold. Resolving the process in time is therefore important both for regulatory compliance and for avoiding further operational difficulties.
International Connectivity and Passenger Services at Stake
Nepal Airlines’ Airbus A330 aircraft are important to its international operations because of their capacity to carry passengers on longer routes. If either aircraft is grounded because its engine overhaul cannot be arranged on time, the airline could face reduced capacity, schedule adjustments and additional pressure on its remaining operational aircraft.
Any resulting disruption could affect travellers flying to and from Nepal, including international tourists whose itineraries depend on the airline’s services. The immediate priority is to finalise the maintenance and leasing arrangements before the engines reach their operating limits. The airline and the ministry have indicated that discussions are underway, but the outcome and timing of the decisions remain crucial to preventing further service interruptions.
