Yeti Airlines new ATR 72 birds landed in Kathmandu

The leading domestic air carrier Yeti Airlines has succeeded to add two more planes to its fleet as part of its service expansion. The two additional ‘ATR 72-500’ series aircrafts with Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) registration ‘9N-AOH’ and ‘9N-AOF’ landed at Tribhuvan International Airport at 5:20 and 5:30 PM on Thursday’s evening.

Both the aircrafts departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh and flew directly to Kathmandu. The aircraft was flown by the crew pilots of Yeti Airlines in a ferry flight to Nepal. Capt. Bhaskar Pant, Capt. Nazir Seikh, Capt. Shiva Poudel and other crew members were involved in the ferry flight.

Yeti Airlines has purchased these wo planes with a capacity of 72 seats each from Bangladesh. With these additions, the total number of ATR 72-500 aircraft in Yeti’s fleet has reached 7. The spokesperson and aviation safety chief of the company, Sudarshan Bartaula, shared that the new aircrafts will extend services to destinations soon after completing the necessary paperwork and procedures within some days.

The CEO of Yeti Airlines, Subhas Sapkota, mentioned the company’s policy to make domestic air travel more convenient and comfortable by adding more planes. The goal is to bring in a total of 10 planes, including three more by the end of 2024, maintaining a commitment to provide excellent service to passengers even during peak times.

According to the information on the ATR company’s website, the ATR 72-500 turboprop plane represents the latest technology. The aircraft, with a capacity of 70-72 seats, is considered superior due to its turbo prop engine. Operated by Pratt & Whitney 127 engines, the ATR 72-500 is known for its low noise, minimal vibration, and excellent interior, making it a comfortable choice for air travel.

Yeti Airlines, recently merged Asian Life Insurance investment company as its partner and aims to go public within the year, with plans to issue an IPO for public investment. Currently, the airline operates regular and charter flights to various destinations in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Chandragadhi, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Simara, Pokhara, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj.