The Nepal Airlines Corporation‘s 9N-ALY aircraft, after undergoing maintenance, will be flying on the Kathmandu-Delhi route today. According to a press release from the corporation, one of the two wide-body aircraft in the fleet, 9N-ALJ, has been regularly operating flights, while the required parts for the 9N-ALY aircraft have just arrived from the UK today. After completing the maintenance, this aircraft will operate the Kathmandu-Delhi flight today.
The corporation issued this press release to clarify and provide accurate information to the public regarding recent confusion surrounding Kathmandu-Delhi flights. The statement mentioned, “Following international standards, the aircraft is maintained by the specifications set by the manufacturer and regulatory authorities.
Once fully airworthy, flights are operated with passenger safety as the highest priority in Nepal Airlines. However, occasional unforeseen technical issues may cause an aircraft to be grounded temporarily. If parts required for repairs are not available in the corporation’s stock and need to be imported from abroad, it may take a few days.”
According to the corporation’s spokesperson (technical), Manoj Kumar Sah, one of the narrow-body aircraft, 9N-AKW, after completing the 5C-check in Shenyang, China, faced issues during the customs clearance process, and flight authorization was required again. The Nepal Airlines will arrive in Kathmandu on March 1 and resume regular flights.
The corporation has established a three-member investigation committee, led by Executive Chairman Yubaraj Adhikari, to examine the causes behind the delays in the 5C-check and other associated concerns. This committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review to identify any instances of negligence or inefficiencies in the process. If any shortcomings or lapses are discovered, the committee will propose legal actions against the responsible employees, maintenance organizations (MRO), and agents involved. The corporation aims to ensure accountability and prevent similar issues in the future. The findings from this investigation will be compiled into a detailed report, which is scheduled to be submitted by the 11th of Falgun.
The Nepal airlines corporation has emphasized its commitment to maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring that all necessary maintenance procedures are carried out without unnecessary delays or disruptions in the future. As for another narrow-body aircraft, 9N-AKX, the necessary legal and administrative procedures for repairing the nose landing gear have been completed. The aircraft will be sent to Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) in Delhi for repairs as soon as the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority grants permission for the Kathmandu-Delhi flight. After the required repairs, the aircraft will resume regular flights from March 1.
According to the press release, one of the Twin Otter aircraft, 9N-ABU, which is used for domestic flights, is set to resume regular operations from March 4 following the completion of necessary engine repairs. The aircraft had been grounded due to technical issues, but after undergoing maintenance, it is now ready to return to service, ensuring continued connectivity for passengers relying on domestic air travel.
Similarly, another Twin Otter aircraft, 9N-ABT, is also scheduled for engine repairs and will resume operations the following week. The corporation has assured that maintenance work is being carried out efficiently to bring the aircraft back into operation as soon as possible. These aircraft play a vital role in Nepal’s domestic aviation network, particularly in serving remote areas with limited transportation alternatives.
The corporation acknowledged the inconvenience faced by passengers due to these unexpected technical issues and sincerely apologized for any disruptions caused to travel plans. It emphasized that every effort is being made to minimize difficulties by ensuring that affected passengers are transported either on alternative flights operated by the corporation or through other available airlines.
Additionally, the corporation has made arrangements for proper hotel accommodations for stranded passengers until tickets become available. This initiative aims to prioritize passenger comfort and mitigate any distress caused by the flight cancellations. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to safety and service excellence, ensuring that all necessary repairs and precautions are taken before resuming flights.
