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Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal’s helicopter aviation sector is set to expand with two new operators moving closer to commercial operations after receiving approval to import helicopters from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
The regulator has granted Sagarmatha Air and Heli Nepal permission to bring in helicopters within one year as part of the certification process required before starting flight operations. The approval comes after both companies successfully completed four of the five mandatory stages required to obtain an Air Operator Certificate.
According to aviation officials, the two companies will now proceed with helicopter acquisition and conduct proving flights, a critical step before receiving the final Air Operator Certificate that allows commercial flight operations.
Both operators have been approved to import Airbus AS350 helicopters, a widely used single engine rotorcraft known for its performance in high altitude environments and mountainous terrain such as Nepal.
Sagarmatha Air has already been registered with Nepal’s Department of Industry with an investment commitment of around NPR 840 million. The company has outlined plans to operate approximately 1,269 flight hours annually and expects to create around 30 jobs once operations begin.
Nepal currently has several helicopter operators serving tourism, rescue, cargo and charter operations across the country’s mountainous regions. Existing companies in the sector include Simrik Air, Prabhu Helicopter, Kailash Helicopter, Manang Air, Mustang Helicopter, Heli Everest, Fishtail Air, Shree Airlines, Altitude Air, Air Dynasty and Mountain Helicopters.
Industry observers say the entry of Sagarmatha Air and Heli Nepal could further increase capacity in Nepal’s helicopter market, which plays a crucial role in high altitude tourism, emergency rescue services and remote mountain connectivity.
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