Kathmandu: Himalayan Airlines, Nepali private carrier launched its initial flight to Beijing, establishing the historical direct connectivity between the capital cities of the two countries. The airline will be operating thrice-weekly flight on the route. According to the airline, the airfare in the sector starts from Rs. 35,000 one-way. The carrier will operate flight from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Daxing International Airport, Beijing. The airline will depart to Beijing’s new airport – Daxing International Airport – at 8:30 am and will reach the Chinese capital at 4:10 pm local time. Himalaya Airlines will use Airbus A320 aircraft with eight business class and 150 economy class seats for the flight.
China is an important trade partner of Nepal, besides being the second largest source market of tourists. So, the commencement of direct flight to Beijing will enable more tourists arrival for the Visit Nepal Year 2020. It is considered as a business strategy of a network expansion to boost Nepal’s connection with China.
The president of Himalaya Airlines, Mr. Zhou Enyong, said the flight would attract more Chinese tourists, especially from North China to Nepal and the route is expected to bring over 40,000 Chinese passengers a year to Nepal to spend money on travel and, to make an investment or have business cooperation here.
Honorable Tourism Minister Mr. Yogesh Bhattarai said that connectivity with China would contribute to Nepal’s target to host 500,000 Chinese travelers as part of the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.
“We will be operating two flights a week – on Tuesdays and Fridays – till November 15. Thereafter, we will also fly to Beijing on Sunday,” – said Ms. Ujjwala Dali, Head of brand and service improvement department of the Himalayan airline.
In the context of the Belt and Road Initiative as well, Himalaya aims to open up new avenues for the corporate and industrial sectors. We are planning to go to three new destinations: Guiyang, Changsha, and Nanchang soon to improve access to the Chinese market.”-Ms. Dali added.
The airline operates a fleet of three A320 planes, with scheduled services to Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dammar and Dhaka. Also, the airline has already announced its plan to increase its fleet with the induction of two A319 aircraft by the beginning of 2020.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
