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Kathmandu: Manang Air, currently inactive due to two recent accidents, is embarking on a revival journey with a substantial investment of one billion rupees. The helicopter company is gearing up to reintroduce Airbus AS 350 series helicopters by 2024, with a targeted operational restart by March.
Raju Neupane, the company's security manager, confirmed the ongoing efforts to resume flights. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) had suspended Manang Air's flight license following two helicopter accidents within a three-month span.
"We plan to restart commercial service by bringing one helicopter on February 15 and two more by May. The third helicopter is expected within six months," revealed Manager Neupane.
The process of acquiring the first helicopter from France to Nepal is already underway, and negotiations for the second helicopter with various companies are ongoing. The estimated cost of procuring a new helicopter stands at Rs 460 million.
Established 26 years ago, Manang Air faced a tragic incident in July, with its 9N-MV Callsign helicopter crashing en route from Surke to Kathmandu, resulting in the loss of six lives, including the pilot. As investigations into the accident continue, another helicopter from Manang Air crashed on October 14, 2023.
In response to the Lukla-Lobuche flight accident involving the 9N-ANJ Callsign helicopter, CAAN temporarily suspended Manang Air's flight license (AOC). The company is now taking significant steps towards recovery, investing in new helicopters and aiming to resume operations in the coming months. [File Photo]
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