KATHMANDU, APRIL 23
Nepal's first-ever Skywell Pilot Summit 2025 concluded in Kathmandu , bringing together aviation professionals to discuss safety, unity, and the future of the aviation sector.
Organised by Yatra Magazine for the Pilot Association of Nepal, the summit focused on the role of pilots in ensuring safer skies and shaping public perception in aviation.
The panel discussion, moderated by Captain Vijay Lama, featured panelists including active air traffic controller Sushmita Rawat, retired pilot Captain Ravi Kansakar, journalist Suraj Kunwar, and pilot-entrepreneur Sunil Shakya.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, attended as chief guest. He stressed the vital role of pilots in aviation safety and expressed hope that the newly formed Pilot Association of Nepal would soon be affiliated with the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations (IFALPA).
Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Dev Chandra Lal Karna, addressed the event as special guest and encouraged pilots to take a proactive role in improving aviation safety and development.
During the event, the formal announcement of the Pilot Association of Nepal was made. The 11-member committee is led by Captain Lekhnath Pokhrel. Other key members include Captain Sagar Gajurel (VP), Captain Dinesh Bogati (General Secretary), Bikrant Kafle (Treasurer), Nazir Uddin Sheikh (Secretary), and members Captains Rabindra Dangol, Suraj Bhandari, Kismat Pachhai, Menit KC, Shib Paudel, and Abhinandan Khadka.
Skywell, the summit's title sponsor, was represented by Kailash Babu Gelal, Managing Director of G. Motors Pvt. Ltd., the official distributor. He expressed appreciation for the collaboration and pledged continued support.
Captain Suraj Bhandari unveiled the association's annual plans and announced the summit will now be an annual event.
The summit, held on April 19 at Hotel Malla, saw participation from over 250 pilots and 100 professionals from the aviation and tourism sectors.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Captain Kismat Pachhai, who acknowledged the support of sponsors and participants. He called for continued collaboration under the association's motto:
"Unity in the Sky, Progress on the Ground."
