A five-member investigation committee has been established to examine the negligence in the C-check maintenance and the company selection process for Nepal Airlines Corporation’s wide-body aircraft.
Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, announced the formation of the committee on Wednesday. The committee is headed by the former Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Tri Ratna Manandhar.
The committee includes former Director General of CAAN, Ratish Chandra Lal, and a representative from the ministry who will serve as the member secretary. Additionally, the committee will comprise an expert and a legal advisor.
The Ministry has requested documents and files related to the engine repair of the wide-body A330 aircraft, which was sent to Israel.
Previously, the CAAN suspended the Chairman of Nepal Airlines Corporation after it was discovered that the wide-body aircraft was sent to Italy via Dubai for a C-check without proper authorization. Nepal does not have direct flights to Italy, and the aircraft was sent without completing the necessary procurement process and obtaining the required permissions.
Along with the Chairman, the CAAN has also grounded the Operations Manager and Captain Dipu Jwarachan, Captain Maheshman Dangol, and Raman Ghimire. Additionally, CAMO Manager Gyan Bahadur Kunwar has been suspended from his duties.
As per regulations, any airline company holding an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the CAAN must obtain prior approval for major checks, C-checks, and overhaul checks of any aircraft.
The investigation aims to ensure accountability and adherence to proper procedures in the maintenance and operations of Nepal Airlines’ fleet.
