Himalaya Jet announces Nepal as its First Destination

Rojin Shakya | Kathmandu

Himalaya Jet, a British premium long-haul airline, is in the final phase of preparations to commence operations from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Sydney to Nepal in 2024. The airline, following the ACMI model on scheduled Charter flights, is set to expand further to Monte Carlo (NICE Airport) to Macau, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles in Q3 2025 with EU AOC.

The Gurung Family from the UK, with Nepali roots, has taken charge of implementing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) initiated in March 1994. This development will lead to more than three weekly flights from the UK to Nepal.

UK Department for Transport’s Aviation Directorate Mark Bosly FRAeS, UK Chief Air Services Negotiator and President Dipendra Gurung MIoD of Himalaya Jet led both their delegations at Department of Transport HQ, London to take it further to new heights.

The Gurung Family, known for their involvement in mega hydro projects, private funding to airlines, and real estate ventures, is demonstrating a strong commitment to connecting these regions. Nepal holds a special place for Himalaya Jet as it marks the airline’s inaugural destination, emphasizing the founder’s affection for the country and a desire to showcase its cultural richness and stunning landscapes. The airline is dedicated to offering a seamless travel experience, aspiring to set new standards of excellence in the aviation industry.

The announcement has garnered enthusiastic support from the Nepalese diaspora, with over half a million residents in the UK, Europe, and Australia expressing patriotic sentiments towards the airline named “Himalaya.” Himalaya Jet’s passengers are expected to benefit from exclusive discounts of up to 70% through the “Himalaya Miles” Loyalty Program, covering a wide range of partner services including hotels, restaurants, car rentals, cinemas, shopping malls, spas, amusement parks, cable cars, helicopters, domestic airlines, and casinos.

Over 54,000 pre-bookings from the UK and Europe are eagerly anticipating direct flights to Nepal once the Global Distribution System (GDS) and Passenger Service System (PSS) are operational.