Nepal Airlines (RA, Kathmandu) has initiated talks with Viking Air over its proposed acquisition of six new DHC-6-400s.

According to The Kathmandu Post, the turboprops would be used to replace the Nepali carrier's existing fleet of three DHT-6-300s, now well over 30 years of age.

The airline is seeking to trade in its aircraft as part of the deal. Once delivered the -400s would the be used to further enhance Nepal Airlines' domestic network reaching more previously inaccessible hamlets and villages.

“The Employees Provident Fund has pledged to finance the purchase. The deal is expected to cost NPR4 billion rupees (USD38.5 million),” NAC Managing Director Sugat Ratna Kansakar said. “We can also get some money if the aircraft manufacturer will buy back our three Twin Otters.”

He added that the board would also decide on whether the acquisition would fall under a full purchase or lease-purchase agreement.

Nepal Airlines also operates four Y12Es, three of which have suffered from a lack of trained aircrews to man them. As such, NAC will hire three English-speaking Chinese pilots to help deploy them into service this year.