Himalaya Airlines, a joint venture between Nepal and China, has announced the inaugural flight of its historic Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flight service, which commenced on December 28, 2023. This historic event will mark a significant milestone in Himalaya Airlines' commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting bilateral ties between Nepal and China.
Lhasa, the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, is a cultural and spiritual hub nestled high in the Himalayas. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and ancient monasteries, Lhasa holds deep significance as the center of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The city's rich history and unique blend of traditions make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a glimpse into Tibet's spiritual heritage and natural beauty.
The new Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu route will offer passengers seamless travel options between the vibrant capital city of Nepal and the historically rich and picturesque city of Lhasa.
The first outbound flight, H9 774, departed from Tribhuvan International Airport at 08:40 hours (local time) and will arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, at 12:00 hours (local time), with flight duration of one hour and twenty minutes. A total of 136 passengers boarded the first flight. Initially operating weekly flight on Thursday, December 28, 2023, the service will schedule flight every Monday effective from January 01, 2024. This signifies the fifth direct connection Himalaya Airlines established between China and Nepal, with flight operations to Beijing, Chongqing, Qingdao, and Shanghai.
The inaugural flight event was graced by the Minister of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati as the chief guest along with Wang Xin, Deputy Chief of Mission- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal along with other dignitaries who were welcomed by Zhou Enyong, President, and Himalaya Airlines Officials.
Commemorating the occasion, in his address, Minister Kirati remarked, "I am honored to be a part of this historic moment as we celebrate the commencement of the Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flight service by Himalaya Airlines. The newly established route represents a significant advancement in the transportation network linking Nepal and China. In essence, it expands the existing connectivity options beyond the previously predominant Arniko Highway. This enhancement in transportation infrastructure not only promotes increased accessibility but also signifies a broader and more diverse network for trade, tourism, and overall bilateral relations between Nepal and China”.
Wang Xin, Deputy Chief of Mission- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal, who shared, 'This inaugural flight marks a momentous occasion in further strengthening the bilateral relations between Nepal and China, fostering closer cultural and connectivity ties.' The Tibet Autonomous Region shares a longstanding, friendly connection with Nepal, woven through mountains, rivers, and generations. Serving as a crucial link in China-Nepal relations, it fosters close religious exchanges between the Tibetan and Nepalese communities.
Vijay Shrestha, Vice-President of Himalaya Airlines, who is also the spokesperson of Himalaya Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the newly launched route, stating, “The main mission of Himalaya is to be able to operate flights to 10 different tourism sectors of China and welcome one million tourists to Nepal. H9 has always explored trailblazing and new routes to China leading the way and going ahead of the regular operations. Our contribution to exploring new markets is therefore remarkable. With the introduction of this new route, Himalaya aims to create memorable travel experiences while maintaining the highest safety standards. We look forward to welcoming travelers on board our flights and helping them explore the beauty and opportunities that both Nepal and Tibet have to offer."
Passengers can now book their tickets for the Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flights from Himalaya Airline's ticketing counter, authorized travel partners as well as from the airline’s official website: www.himalaya-airlines.com
About Himalaya Airlines Pvt. Ltd.
Himalaya Airlines (H9) is a Nepal-China joint venture International Airlines, established in 2014 with two complimenting objectives: to promote people-to-people contact between Nepal and other countries, as well as to boost Nepal’s trade and tourism industries. The joint venture alliance is between Tibetan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Company Ltd. (TCADIC) and Yeti World Investment Pvt. Ltd.
H9 young fleet consists of total 4 aircraft: three Airbus 320-214 (180 all-economy seats) and one Airbus 319-115 (144 all-economy seats). H9 is currently operating passenger flights to prominent countries of the Middle East & South Asia: UAE, Malaysia, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bangladesh & China sectors. Currently, Himalaya is flying to five cities in The People’s Republic of China; Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Chongqing and Lhasa.
H9 received an international award for being the "Leading New International Airlines in South Asia" in its very first year of operation at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2017. In 2020, it received its first ISO 9001:2015 QMS certification showing its competence in aircraft maintenance and engineering services. On December 29, 2021, H9 became the first airline in Nepal to achieve ISO 9001:2015 QMS certification for “Providing Air Transport for Travelling Passengers and Freight, including Aviation Related Training Services”. The certification highlights H9's commitment to quality and its dedication to high-performance work practices.
Starting in September 2021, H9 introduced Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), a life-saving device onboard all its fleet. With this, H9 stands to be the first ever and the only Nepalese airlines to carry AEDs onboard. With the aim to excel in safety, On-Time Performance (OTP) and most primarily, in service to its customers, H9 has established itself as a trusted airline of choice and aspires to rise as a leading airline in South Asia.
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