The Private airlines operators have submitted a 12-points memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday seeking assistance for a sustainable revival of the aviation sector.

Nepali private carriers have incurred a loss of over Rs 10 billion because of the Covid pandemic, reads the memorandum. 

The Airlines Operators' Association of Nepal informed the prime minister about the difficulties faced in the air service operations and sought assistance in resolving these issues.

The demands include the government to recognise the aviation sector as a special industry and provide the facilities accordingly; to take the initiative in solving the remaining issues for the European Union to lift the ban on Nepali airliners from flying in its airspace; timely amendment of country’s aviation policy; reduction of customs duty on import of every spare part to 1%; removal of different airfares for domestic and international passenger; 50% reduction in service tax being levied by CAAN for two years; and petroleum price adjustment among others. 

Prime Minister Oli reiterated the government’s commitment to improving air safety, reported RSS, the state-owned news agency. 

(With inputs from RSS)