KATHMANDU: Non-Resident Nepali businessman Niraj Govinda Shrestha has officially entered the aviation industry by launching Sumedha Air, a helicopter company set to begin operations soon.

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has granted Sumedha Air a domestic air service operation license following the ministerial-level decision dated July 1, 2025. The license, valid until July 1, 2029, permits the company to operate three units of H125 helicopters, with its main base station at Nalinchowk Helipad, Bhaktapur.

According to ministry sources, Sumedha Air is preparing to submit its application for the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) next week. The airline has already compiled and is ready to submit all required documents in accordance with CAAN’s official checklist.

A ministry source said that Shrestha is set to operate one of the largest helicopter fleets in Nepal, marking a significant addition to the country’s growing helicopter aviation landscape.

Shrestha had previously held shares in Ncell, various banks, hydropower projects, and multiple other sectors, but had exited those investments. His re-entry into Nepal’s aviation business through Sumedha Air, marks a significant addition to Nepal’s expanding helicopter aviation landscape.