Kathmandu, April 7, 2006

The aviation industry is undergoing some fundamental changes. The changes are being felt most keenly in the Asian region, where most countries’ are enjoying the boons of leapfrogging. Even the partial opening up of the skies, has meant revolutionary changes in countries like India. Peter Luethi, chief operating officer of Jet Airways (India) Ltd, who was in Kathmandu recently, says that from ‘bi-lateral single-designation’ understanding between a handful of operators, the aviation sector in this region has progressed to ‘multi-lateral multi-designation’ agreements. What this means is that a number of airlines from various countries are sharing seats, capacity and frequency on most routes. This is in contrast to earlier times when one airlines used to have seat sharing agreement only for one destination with another airlines. Such agreements are now being forged between operators from countries like Nepal, India, Germany, UK, US, France, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. This is improving efficiency in air operation, helping lower fares despite rising fuel costs and offering flexible options to passengers, feels Luethi. And all this is a natural corollary to governments’ decision to depart from ‘restrictive national carrier-based policy’ towards a more open sky policy. Speaking about the changes in India in particular, Luethi says, “The decision of the government to offer a level playing field to all the operators and allowing 49 per cent equity to foreign investors, have helped impart a great momentum to the Indian aviation industry.” Garry Kinshott, the chief commercial officer of Jet Airways who accompanied Luethi, mentions about the decision of the Indian government to allow a consortium of private players to construct some major airports.

Thapa surveys Malangwa devastation

Sarlahi, April 7, 2006

Minister for Home Affairs Kamal Thapa, today inspected the government buildings devastated in the Maoists’ attack on Malangwa on Wednesday night. Praising the security forces, Thapa told journalists, “Security men fought back bravely and foiled the Maoists’ bid to capture Malangwa. The Maoists’ attacks can kill some people, but their political ends will never be realised.” While Thapa provided Rs 3,000 as compensation to Ramananda Mahato of Malangwa Municipality-10 for treatment of his injured buffalo he said nothing about a girl child who died in a the bombardment by the RNA copter or the buildings that were damaged. Thapa also inspected the wreckage of the copter kept inside the RNA base camp in Malangwa. Home Secretary Bal Krishna Prasai, AIGP Rajendra Bahadur Singh, AIGP of the Armed Police Force Ravi Raj Thapa, RNA Brigadier General Rana Dhoj Limbu accompanied Thapa during the inspection. At a programme in the DDC conference hall, Thapa gave directions to officials about renovation work.