Kathmandu, December 29:

Nepal and Bahrain signed an Air Service Agreement (ASA) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here today to increase air-frequency and develop manpower resources.

Ramchandra Man Singh, secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Captain Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Gaoud signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.

Now both countries operate 28 flights per week. Earlier, the agreement between the two countries was that they could have 14 flights per week. The additional 14 direct flights per week will help boost Nepal’s tourism, said Captain Al Gaoud, team leader of the Bahrain delegates.

“Also, more seats on the Kathmandu-Bahrain route will benefit passengers,” he said, adding that Bahrain wants to support the Nepal’s national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation.

Bahrain Air is planning to start two flights per day initially. Nepal has ASA with 35 countries.

The country is observing Nepal Tourism Year 2011 and more air frequency will definitely help boost tourism, said Singh after the signing ceremony.