Nepal Airlines (RA, Kathmandu) will shortly return its sole Y12E, 9N-AKS, to active service for the first time in ten months.
The Himalaya Times reports the turboprop was mothballed in September last year owing to a lack of suitability qualified flight crew. However, with a new Tongan type-certified chief pilot now in the company's employ, the aircraft will be used alongside Nepal Airlines' two DHC-6-300s and MA-60 for the Dashain festival, set to run between October 2 and 16.
The Chinese-manufactured turboprops are part of a deal involving two MA-60s and four Y12Es signed in 2013. They have not, however, enjoyed a smooth entry into service. In March, Nepal Airlines management reportedly demanded compensation from AVIC as neither of the two aircraft were found capable of operating in the Himalayan kingdom with full payloads.
