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Many new domestic airlines have taken to the skies since the privatization for the airline industry in 1991 (and several have even gone defunct). All are based in Kathmandu, and most operate with small STOL (Short Take Off & Landing) aircraft like Twin Otters. Below is a short profile of each airline. |
Yeti Airways
Yeti Airways was established in 1998 and operates with a fleet of four 19-seater DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft. Their route net covers Lukla, Pokhara, Simikot, Phaplu, Lamidanda, Rumjatar, Simara, and Jomsom.
Buddha Air
Nepal's trendiest airline operates with the most modern fleet – four Raytheon Beech 1900D 19-seater aircraft. Buddha Air stresses the safety factor, and though recently established in 1997, has quickly grown to be popular. Destinations served include Lukla, Jomsom, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Nepalganj, Bhairawa, and Bhadrapur.
Cosmic Air
Established in 1998, Cosmic Air operates with one 19-seater Dornier 228, and have two MI-17 helicopters for charter services. Destinations served include Lukla, Pokhara, Jomsom, Bharatpur, and Bhadrapur.
Gorkha Airlines
Gorkha Airlines has been in operation since 1996, serving Pokhara, Jomsom, Lukla, Bharatpur, Bhadrapur, Tumlingtar, Simara, and Bhairawa with two 19-seater Dornier 228s.
Necon Air
Nepal's first private airline company was established in 1992 and operates with a fleet of three HS-748 Avro, one ATR-42-320, and a Cessna Caravan 208 for charter services. Necon Air operates flights to Pokhara, Bhadrapur, Biratnagar, Bhairawa, Janakpur, and Nepalganj, and is the only private airline to serve Patna and Varanasi in India.
Mountain Air
The newest of the private carriers, Mountain Air was established in April 2000 and operates with two 19-seater Raytheon Beech 1900C. Destinations include Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bhairawa, and Nepalganj.
Shangri-la Air
Established in 1999, Shangri-la Air serves Pokhara, Jomsom, Lukla, Phaplu, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Phaphlu, Rumjatar, and Simara with two 19-seater DHC-6-310 Twin Otter aircraft.
Skyline Airways
Skyline Airways was established in 1999 and operates with two 19-seater DHC-6-310 Twin Otter aircraft. Destinations include Lukla, Phaplu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Bharatpur, Phaphlu, Rumjatar, and Simara.
Royal Nepal Airlines
Nepal's national flag carrier is yet to gain popularity despite having been established over three decades ago. The government-owned airline, however, has the most extensive network of domestic routes, serving virtually every remote district in the country. Royal Nepal operates its domestic network with a fleet of 19-seat Twin Otters and 44-seat Avro (HS-748) aircraft.
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