KATHMANDU, Dec 25: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Thai Airways have formalized a ground handling service agreement, signifying a new chapter in their collaboration. To bolster NAC's ground handling capabilities, Thai Airways has transferred ownership of 80 ground handling-related materials to NAC.
Ramesh Poudel, the spokesperson for NAC, confirmed that these materials are now the property of Nepal Airlines Corporation. The agreement was officially inked by Executive Chairman Ubaraj Adhikari on behalf of NAC and Narintorn Sukkasiam, Head of Western and Middle East Affairs of Thai Airways.
CAAN cancles self-ground handling service of Thai Airways
Adhikari expressed confidence in NAC's capabilities, citing the positive impact of Thai Airways, a seasoned self-ground handler at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), taking over NAC's ground handling operations. Emphasizing the collaborative effort, he mentioned the transfer of 80 materials from Thai Airways to NAC, aimed at fortifying NAC's ground handling services. Thai Airways, previously self-handling, has transitioned to commercially handle ground services in partnership with NAC.
Poudel highlighted the significance of Thai Airways entrusting NAC, viewing it as a response to criticisms and questions surrounding the airline. This development comes in the wake of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) deciding on December 1 to exclusively award ground handling contracts through competitive processes conducted by NAC. This decision prompted protests from NAC employees, who formed a trade union struggle committee in response.
