Speaking at a program organized by Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA), Minister Lokendra Bista Magar said that the government had initiated necessary action to procure at least a wide body, two narrow body, 2-3 aircraft for trunk routes and 5-6 twin otter aircraft for rural areas.[break]
Bista said that NAC was badly in need of aircraft and five of the aircraft for domestic sector would soon start operations as the first-phase development.
“In order to promote Nepal as a favorite destination, we don´t have any option but to add aircraft,” he said adding the procurement was going to strengthen NAC´s service in the SAARC region and other sectors where the service was being operated. The government plans to operate the service in trunk routes and for mountain flights. He expressed hope that the state-owned aircraft will be a milestone in connecting people of rural areas at affordable rates.
Minister Magar said the government is committed to bringing the proposed second international airport into operation within five years.
The government is also preparing to construct new domestic airport in or around Kathmandu as an alternative to the Kathmandu airport to reduce traffic congestion.
Under the leadership of Minister Magar, a six-member committee has been formed to conduct a feasibility study. “The airport will be constructed in one of the neighboring districts of Kathmandu - Nangidanda of Banepa or Panchkhal of Kavrepalanchowk district,” he said.
In order to improve and strengthen air link with the Karnali zone and other rural areas, the government is allocating more than a billion rupees.
Under its immediate plan for improvement in the aviation sector, MoTCA is working towards making Simra aiport capable of operating night service within two months.
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