The Board of Airlines Representatives in Nepal (BARN), the umbrella organization of international airlines operating in Nepal, has elected a new executive committee with Anil Ghimire of Nepal Airlines Corporation appointed as the new Chairman for the 2026–2028 term.
The decision was made during the combined 30th and 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of BARN, held on June 5, 2026, at Best Western Plus Godawari in Lalitpur. The AGM was conducted under the theme “Resilient Skies, Shared Vision,” bringing together representatives of international airlines operating in Nepal to review organizational activities and discuss key industry priorities.
AGM Focuses on Aviation Growth and Industry Coordination
The joint AGM served as a key platform for international carriers to evaluate institutional progress, endorse financial and operational reports, and outline a roadmap for strengthening Nepal’s aviation sector. Members discussed challenges facing the aviation industry, emerging opportunities in airline operations, and strategies to enhance coordination between stakeholders for sustainable sector development. According to organizers, the meeting also emphasized the importance of collaboration between airlines, regulators, and industry partners to ensure long-term resilience in Nepal’s aviation ecosystem.
New Executive Committee Elected for 2026–2028
The highlight of the AGM was the unanimous election of the new Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 tenure.
Anil Ghimire of Nepal Airlines Corporation was elected as Chairman. Other key office bearers include Bhola Bikram Thapa of IndiGo as First Vice Chairman, Abit Shrestha of AOC-N as Second Vice Chairman, Sarik Bogati of Qatar Airways as General Secretary, and Navaraj Shahi of Flydubai as Treasurer.
Additional elected committee members include Serkan Basar of Turkish Airlines, Junu Maleku of Cathay Pacific, Dhiraj Chandra Shrestha of China Southern Airlines, Santosh Bikram Rana of Thai Airways, Tripti Chhetri of Malaysia Airlines, Ramesh Lamichhane of Emirates, and Basu Lamichhane of FITS Air.
The newly elected leadership has pledged to strengthen cooperation among member airlines and work closely with regulatory authorities to promote efficiency and growth in Nepal’s aviation sector.
Focus on Aviation Modernization and Digital Transformation
The AGM of BARN also featured a technical presentation by Verteil Technologies on New Distribution Capability (NDC), highlighting global advancements in airline retailing and digital distribution systems. The session provided participants with insights into the evolving structure of airline sales, emphasizing the shift toward modern, technology-driven distribution models across the global aviation industry. Industry stakeholders noted that digital transformation is becoming increasingly important for improving passenger experience, operational efficiency, and competitive positioning in the aviation market.
Appreciation to Sponsors and Partners
In an official statement, BARN expressed its appreciation to Verteil Technologies and the Soaltee Group of Companies for their support and sponsorship of the AGM. The association stated that the contributions of its partners played a vital role in ensuring the successful execution of the annual event.
Commitment to Aviation Sector Development
Following the election, the newly formed Executive Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration among airlines and enhancing engagement with aviation authorities and stakeholders. The leadership emphasized a shared vision of promoting resilience, operational excellence, and sustainable growth in Nepal’s aviation industry. They also highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address industry challenges and support long-term development of air connectivity in Nepal.
About BARN
Established in 1990, the Board of Airlines Representatives in Nepal (BARN) serves as the primary umbrella association for international airlines operating in the country.
The organization works closely with aviation stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and industry partners to advocate for policies that support aviation growth, operational efficiency, and improved air services in Nepal.
With the election of the new leadership, BARN is expected to continue playing a key role in shaping the future direction of Nepal’s aviation sector over the coming years.
