Nepal Airlines (RA, Kathmandu) is set to finalize its widebody fleet expansion plan ahead of its presentation to the airline's board, as well as government, for approval. Reports indicate the Nepalese carrier intends to take delivery of its first widebody jet in December this year followed by a second in February of next year. Though the type has not yet been specified, it is believed to be sourced from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac).
“We are at the final stages of the preparations of the business plan,” airline spokesman, Hari Sharma, told the Kathmandu Post. “The management will show the plan to the board as soon as it is completed.”
Nepal Airlines has already taken delivery of two A320-200 (SL)s with a further two due in May and July of 2017.
The acquisition is part of the airline's turnaround strategy which aims to stimulate growth and therefore revenue through expansion in the international leisure market. Though it currently serves Bengaluru International, Delhi International, and Mumbai International in India, Hong Kong International, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Doha Hamad International, and Kuala Lumpur International, Nepal Airlines intends to use its widebody jets to open up new routes to North America, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
