Nepal Airlines’ widebody aircraft, which was scheduled to return to Kathmandu from Italy tomorrow, has experienced significant delays. Initially expected to complete its ‘C-check’ maintenance within 30 days, the aircraft will now arrive in Kathmandu 80 days after its departure.
According to Nepal Airlines, the Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, which underwent comprehensive ‘C-check’ maintenance, is scheduled to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport at 6:30 AM tomorrow, following its transit through Dubai. The airline assigned the maintenance responsibility to the Italian company, Etitech SpA, which has encountered delays in the completion of the check.
An official from the airline indicated that additional engine issues discovered during the ‘C-check’ further contributed to the delay. During this period, another widebody aircraft, with registration number 9N-AAZ, was also sent to Italy for maintenance on Bhadra 12.
In a recent parliamentary committee meeting, members suggested that if the government is unable to operate the national carrier effectively, it should consider allowing the private sector, such as Himalaya Airlines, to take over operations. They referenced examples from other countries where national carriers were managed by private entities when government management failed and urged the government to seek viable alternatives rather than allowing the national carrier to deteriorate further.
The committee also discussed the possibility of transferring all Nepal Airlines aircraft to Himalaya Airlines, citing the success of Tata Group’s management of Air India in India. They criticized the current leadership of Nepal Airlines and called for effective management changes to ensure operational efficiency.
Tourism industry professionals have expressed concerns that ongoing issues with Nepal Airlines’ aircraft could enhance the dominance of foreign airlines and lead to increased rental charges. They advocate for a review of the management of Nepal Airlines to ensure it meets the expectations and needs of the industry.
