Himalaya Airlines: CSR Report for the pandemic years

Himalaya Airlines (H9) conducted a press conference at the Radisson Hotel today to discuss its numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts for 2020-2021 (the pandemic years). The corporate report was released by Ujjwala Dali, Head of Department - Brand, and Rajesh Prasad Shrestha, Head of Department - Maintenance and Engineering.

Himalaya Airlines has always been interested in collaborating with stakeholders to help manage the future expansion of a safe and sustainable air transport industry, and H9 has been actively engaged in CSR endeavors from its inception.

Over the years, they have steadily built a holistic approach to societal improvement, continuing to serve the nation in a variety of ways that match with its core CSR objectives such as Economic Prosperity, Environmental Sustainability, and Societal Responsibility. This is Himalaya's first report detailing H9's approach and progress on these contributions.

Leading the news conference, Dali stated, "The last two years have been difficult as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted people's lives and flipped businesses and economies around the world." During these difficult times, Himalaya not only tried to survive but also maintained its dedication to the development of society and has been able to make substantial contributions in all feasible ways.

"Overall growth and social welfare are two essential aspects of their business to which they continually commit themselves in order to secure a growth-oriented future trajectory of their organization," she continues.

With the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, Himalaya stepped forward, contributing Rs. one million to the Government COVID-19 Fund, operating cargo flights for COVID-19 essential medical supplies, bringing back stranded passengers from various countries, donating medical supplies to various hospitals, and so on.

H9's CSR initiatives became more targeted in 2021, when the company stepped forward to stand solidly with the Government of Nepal and operated four free cargo flights worth Rs.2.25 crores to bring in 200000 doses of Vero cell vaccines at a critical time.

For the past five years, the airline has also had Prayas Nepal, a non-governmental organization, under its CSR umbrella, and has made considerable donations annually to poor children pursuing its "Step Towards Education" program, which helps the youngsters fulfill their aspirations.

The CSR Report presents a summary of H9's performance and CSR highlights in five major areas: Economic Prosperity, Environmental Sustainability, Societal Responsibility, Operational Highlights, and Quality Management System.

During the press conference, a summary video showing H9's CSR engagements was also shown.