Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 1:

The Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) has started making some progress, but more aircraft needs to be added to its existing fleet of only two international Boeings, said RNAC authorities and staff. Otherwise, the corporation would fail to compete in the market, they said. The RNAC’s major challenges are competition from other airlines and “sky rocketing” fuel charges, said Mohan Khanal, managing director of RNAC. “We need more aircraft for the smooth running of the airline’s scheduled flights. The few (two) aircraft that we have is not enough for the corporation’s sustenance in the long run. We hope to purchase an aircraft in the upcoming fiscal year,” he said, addressing the RNAC’s 47th anniversary here today.

According to him, the government has cleared RNAC’s dues worth Rs 30 million, while an aircraft dealing company has agreed to return the corporation’s $175,000 by December this year.

Expressing concern over the RNAC’s deteriorating condition, Tourism Minister Buddhi Raj Bajracharya said the government was committed to take necessary steps to strengthen the corporation. He, however, said the government cannot be a guaranteer in the RNAC’s aircraft deals. Minister Bajracharya also warned that RNAC staff “will be brought to book if they are found to be involved in irregularities regarding the national flag carrier.”