The Lhasa-based carrier made public its decision when it unveiled its three-year business plan on the occasion of its first anniversary on Thursday.[break]
Cheng Hui, executive director of the board of Tibet Airlines, said the company was starting international flights from Kathmandu as a part of its ambitious plan to connect China with South Asia.
So far, Air China has been operating scheduled flights on Kathmandu-Lhasa route, and the existing fare makes it one of the most expensive air routes in the world. Another direct flight on the route can help Nepal receive more tourists from China.
According to Xinhua, Tibet Airlines is a subsidiary of Air China -- the national flag carrier of China -- and it is promoted by the Tibetan government. The airline presently operates 16 flights a day to Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining and Langjhou from Lhasa airport with three aircraft. The company has announced to add three aircraft in its fleet every year.
Nepal has long been requesting the Chinese government to increase flights to Kathmandu to facilitate inbound tourists. Except for the Arniko Highway, which is barely used by the tourists, Chinese tourists need to travel via air to Kathmandu to visit Nepal.
Presently, Air China operates flights to Kathmandu from Lhasa and Kunming, while China Southern links Kathmandu with Guangzhou. Nepal Airlines and Dragon Air are flying between Hong Kong and Kathmandu. Likewise, efforts are on to resume flights on Kathmandu-Shanghai route.
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