Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 15

Yeti Airlines is all set to add two more aircraft to its fleet by the end of this month. The airlines is preparing to lease two SAAB 340B, which will expand the number of aircraft to six from the existing four.

"Yeti Airlines has already finalised a deal to lease two 36-seater planes. The leased craft is expected to operate commercial flights from the next month," said Bijay Shrestha, general manager of Yeti Airlines. "There is a huge demand for air seats as mobility through land transport stays tough and harassing. Considering this fact, the airlines is leasing two additional Swedish-made aircraft to improve its services," Shrestha said, while talking to The Himalayan Times.

Yeti Airlines, which began commercial flights in September 1998, would have the largest number of aircraft after the addition of two SAAB-340. Yeti Airlines currently operates both scheduled and charter flights with four 19-seater DHC-6/300 Twin Otter. The aircraft is proven for its rugged performance in mountainous terrain and airfields. "At present, Yeti flies to almost of all short take off and landing (STOL) airfields in the country, including popular tourist destinations such as Lukla, Jomsom, Manang and Simikot," added Shrestha.

According to him, the airlines plans to operate scheduled flights to Bhadrapur, Biratnagar, Pokhara, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj sector. Yeti currently operates chartered flights to these sectors. The airlines is also planning to add about a dozen flights and increase the frequency of its scheduled flights. "At present, we operate about 40 flights per day during the high tourist season and 30 flights during the low season," said Shrestha.