Nepal Airlines lays emphasis on Indian market

In order to expand its business in India, Nepal Airlines recently conducted a roadshow in Mumbai. Talking at the roadshow, CA Janak Raj Kalakheti, Director, Commercial Department, Nepal Airlines, said, “The purpose of the roadshow is to recognise the contribution of the travel agents who have been supporting us since we started our operations in India. Apart from this, we are also seeking their feedback so that we can grow and offer better services.”

Praful Khosla, Executive Vice President, Bird Group, which is the GSA for Nepal Airlines, said that the airline is the only carrier connecting Kathmandu to three cities of India. “We are focusing on corporate, leisure and MICE segments. That is the reason we have introduced flight to Bengaluru because the city offers huge scope for leisure segment.” In their endeavour to connect more Indian cities, the airline is carrying out feasibility studies for cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. “Once our feasibility study is done we will connect Ahmedabad. Nepal Airlines is focusing India in big way and India is one of their core markets,” said Khosla. He also said that they are getting very good support from tour operators, MICE agents, online travel agents etc. “Nepal has emerged as very economical destination and offers activities like adventure sports. Recently, casinos have also opened in Nepal and tourists can enjoy that as well,” concluded Khosla.Currently, Nepal Airlines operates flights from three cities of India. The flag carrier of Nepal offers 10 flights per week from Delhi and 3 weekly services from Mumbai and Bengaluru. “We have Kathmandu-Mumbai-Kathmandu three flights per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Similarly, the Bengaluru service operates on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. In Delhi, we operate 10 flights, one every morning and one in the evening thrice a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” said Kalakheti. Speaking on the load factor, he said, “In case of Delhi route, the load factor is always healthy and it is more than 90% and for Bengaluru and Mumbai it almost 70% now.” He also revealed that the airline will soon add A330 Airbus to its fleet.

Travel Biz Monitor