The new Airbus As 350 B3e series helicopter of Manang Air that has obtained a registration of ‘9N-AOE’ is all set to fly in Nepal. This is a factory made brand new helicopter purchase of Manang Air. The helicopter has been purchased straight from the Airbus factory in France by Manang Air. The company is now anticipating for revival of its AOC after which it will be able to fly in the skies of Nepal.
The new helicopter was transported via sea and land inside a container. After its arrival in Nepal the helicopter was reassembled inside the Buddha Air Hangar and has been made airworthy to fly back to skies. All the test flights and documentation have been made back in the manufacturer country.
Established 26 years ago, Manang Air faced tragedy in July when their helicopter crashed, killing six. Another crash occurred on October 14, 2023. CAAN temporarily suspended their flight license AOC after the second accident involving the ‘9N-ANJ’ Callsign helicopter during the Lukla-Lobuche flight.
With the new helicopter ‘9N-AOE’ Manang air aims to comeback in the aviation industry of Nepal and resume it services as previously before CAAN suspended its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The carrier is also planning to welcome a second AS 350 B3e helicopter within few months of arrival of the brand new fleet. The second helicopter is most probably going to be a leased aircraft.
