Kathmandu, May 14

Tara Air, a subsidiary of Yeti Airlines (P) Limited, is planning to resume its flights to the Karnali region.

The carrier will use one of the two Twin Otter aircraft leased from Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) for operating flights to Jumla, Rara, Simikot, Dolpa and Bajura from Nepalgunj, according to the airline. The lease contract is for 10 years.

The carrier has signed a deal with the national flag carrier in this regard.

The airline is planning to operate another aircraft on profitable domestic routes such as Lukla and other destinations.

Tara Air has been flying to the region irregularly since last year. Using the leased aircraft, the airline aims to operate regular flights to the region.

Last week, Tara Air conducted a test flight of one of the Twin Otters on at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) after its engines were overhauled.

The company is carrying out the maintenance of the other aircraft as well at its hanger. It informed that the airline has been carrying out the maintenance of the aircraft in line with the standard set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The airline has spent US$ 2.5 million for overhauling the engines.

As per the deal, Tara Air will pay US$ 48,000 for using the two aircraft monthly to NAC for the first seven years, and then US$ 52,000 monthly for the remaining years.

According to the airline, NAC will get just half of the rental from Tara Air because the latter will be using the remaining amounts for the maintenance of the aircraft.

Tara Air will have to return to the aircraft in a good condition to NAC with the expiry of the agreement.