January 2: Buddha Air has started preparation to further expand its service in the international market. The airline company plans to register a new company in Pokhara under its brand for this purpose.

Buddha Air plans to sort out the economic and technical issues within six months before starting the international service. It is said that the name of the new company will be named as ‘Buddha Air International’.

Sources at Buddha Air said that the airline company adopted this approach to capitalize on the increasing inflow of tourists in Pokhara.

Buddha Air’s Marketing Director Rupesh Joshi confirmed that the company is planning to operate international flights from Pokhara by establishing a company in the lake city.

According to the company, it is also preparing to finalize the purchase of aircraft for operating international flights by the time the regional airport of Pokhara gets upgraded into an international airport in 2020.

 “The Tribhuvan International Airport is very congested and the government is upgrading Pokhara Regional Airport into international standard. Since it will take some time to start international flights from Pokhara, we have been currently involved in registering the new company.”

Buddha Air is also planning to start flights to Kolkata from mid-April. Joshi informed that it will start the service thrice a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

He also informed that the company is adding two more aircraft to its fleet in February.  At present, the company has been operating its services with 11 aircraft. Currently, Buddha Air operates international flights to Beneras twice a week.