KATHMANDU, Nov 18: At a time when investment is shrinking due to a severe economic recession in the country, Heli Everest has simultaneously added two helicopters to its fleet. Heli Everest has added two helicopters due to the increasing demand of foreign tourists and domestic tourists.

The company’s Market Chief Sitaram Sapkota stated that two B3 helicopters have been added to cater to the increasing demand in the Himalayan region, aiming to facilitate the influx of foreign currency through tourism.

Heli Everest has been conducting search, rescue and mountain flights for tourists especially in the mountainous region, with currently two helicopters in operation. He said that the company has brought two helicopters with the aim of providing more convenience to domestic and foreign tourists.

The new helicopter with the call sign (9N-AOA) is capable of landing at altitudes up to 23,000 feet. He said that the B3 model was chosen because it suits the geographical environment of Nepal.

One of the two Airbus helicopters, manufactured in France in 2019, has already arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport, while the second helicopter is expected to reach Nepal within the next two months. Sapkota mentioned that the entire process with the manufacturing company has been finalized, and the new helicopter is scheduled to arrive from France on Sunday, taking about two months for shipment.

Sapkota said there is a plan to add another helicopter within the next year. Heli Everest aims to operate a total of five helicopters, with preparations already underway for this expansion.

In the current fiscal year, the government imposed value-added tax (VAT) on spare parts, including aircraft and helicopters. This VAT implementation has led to a significant price hike in helicopters compared to the previous year, posing challenges for many companies looking to purchase new choppers.

 
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