NAC urgently needs 10 planes: Kirati, Minister of Tourism

KATHMANDU, Oct 03:Sudan Kirati, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, stated that there is a strong base for tourism in Nepal, but that it is lacking.

Minister Kirati stated on a Sunday show that 10 planes are urgently needed to expand Nepal Airlines Corporation in both domestic and international markets.

Planes provide a solid foundation for tourism. Recognizing the necessity, the process of adding more aircraft has begun.'' During the ceremony, he stated, 'If more planes are introduced in five/seven months, it will tremendously contribute to tourism.'

However, he stated that along with the talk of purchasing the planes, unwanted comments began, sending a negative message.

'There is still a scarcity of helicopters in distant locations,' he added, adding that everyone should work together to fly the NAC's planes in the sky. The sick and pregnant women could not be rescued due to a lack of timely planes. That is why planes are required. Those who make baseless accusations would be considered traitors.'

He stated that the ministry has been working on this for a few months.

Minister Kirati further stated that additional preparations are being done to keep the airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara busy. He stated that the NAC now operates international flights from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu and that efforts are being made to enhance the number of flights.

Furthermore, he stated that Pokhara International Airport is prepared to operate under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.