Suspension on Simrik Airlines’ flights continues

Kathmandu, August 23

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has continued the temporary suspension of flights of Simrik Airlines imposed since last week citing that documents presented by the airlines were inadequate.

Following the suspension imposed by the civil aviation regulator citing that the airline company failed to meet the technical standards of airworthiness under the Civil Aviation Regulation, the airline company had presented necessary documents to the aviation safety department of CAAN on Thursday. However, CAAN has sought additional documents from the airline company citing that the documents presented by the airline company were inadequate to lift the suspension.

During its inspection, CAAN had found that the airline company was using substandard spare parts in its aircraft, following which the authority imposed the suspension. “The suspension will not be lifted unless the airline company replaces the spare parts in its aircraft complying with the CAAN standards and the necessary documents are submitted,” said an official of CAAN seeking anonymity.

CAAN had inspected aircraft of Simrik Airlines and its workshop on August 18 and 19. CAAN had found that the airline company was using substandard spare parts during its inspection a year ago as well. However, the authority had not taken any action against the airline firm back then. However, this time, CAAN has grounded both Simrik Airlines’ Beechcraft 1900 series aircraft.

As per the Civil Aviation Regulation, CAAN can issue an order to cancel the airworthiness certificate of such

aircraft or suspend it in case an aircraft is flown in contrary to the terms and conditions mentioned in the airworthiness certificate provided to any aircraft and the prevailing laws related to civil aviation.

Established in 2009, Simrik Airlines has been operating domestic flights to Bhairahawa, Bharatpur and Pokhara through 19-seater Beechcraft 1900 series aircraft.