Nepal Airlines Corporation’s (NAC) relaunched route from Kathmandu to Osaka (Japan) is now expected to start in two months after being delayed as ground handler Cathay Kansai Terminal Service (CKTS) had not given the airline permission to start the service, according to local reports.
A report on Aviation Nepal claims meeting between high level delegates from both countries concluded a week ago and flight to Japan in two months is “almost certain” as the ground handling issue is almost sorted out.
Nepal Airlines has submitted documents to Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and the airline is said to be positive about resolving ground handling issue in a week, the report claims.
The carrier is set to operate two weekly flights to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport and the airline is also discussing and making preparations to operate future flights to Tokyo Narita International Airport, twice a week.
On 18 June 2018, Nepal and Japan revised the air service agreement, increasing the number of flights from twice weekly to 14 weekly flights with any type of aircraft on a reciprocal basis.
Nepal Airlines first launched routes to Japan in 1994, flying to Osaka via Shanghai, China, but in 2007, it was forced to suspend the route due to lack of aircraft.
The publication also claims NAC is looking to fly to Guangzhou (China) and the airline is in process to renew the ground handling contract in China.
Nepal Airlines operates international flights with two Airbus A330s and two Airbus A320. It now services Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, Hong Kong, Bangkok and India.
