Himalaya Jet plans to launch direct flights from UK to Nepal

KATHMANDU: In a groundbreaking move, Himalaya Jet, a premium long-haul airline based in the UK, is gearing up for its inaugural flights to Nepal, marking a historic milestone in the aviation industry.

The airline, which has meticulously planned its operations since September 2023, recently appointed Mr. Paul Argyll as the General Sales Agent for the UK and Mr. Joy Dewan of Zenith Travels for Nepal, specifically for the UK route.

According to a press release issued by the company, scheduled to commence operations in 2024, Himalaya Jet will connect major European cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Sydney directly to Nepal.

The airline will operate on the ACMI model for scheduled charter flights, paving the way for main routes from Monte Carlo (NICE Airport) to Macau and Las Vegas/Los Angeles in Q3 2025, holding an EU AOC.

The Gurung Family, with roots in Nepal and residing in the UK for 29 years, has taken a significant role in the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) initiated on March 3, 1994. This milestone agreement has paved the way for more than three weekly flights from the UK to Nepal in the initial stages.

Mark Bosly FRAeS, the UK Chief Air Services Negotiator from the UK Department for Transport’s Aviation Directorate, along with President Dipendra Gurung MIoD of Himalaya Jet, led their respective delegations at the Department of Transport HQ, London, signifying a commitment to reaching new heights in aviation.

The Gurung Family Conglomerates, deeply involved in mega hydro projects, private funding for airlines, and real estate investments, decided to make “Nepal” the inaugural destination for Himalaya Jet. This decision reflects the founder’s profound love for the country and a vision to showcase Nepal’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes, including the world’s eight highest Himalayan peaks, notably Mount Everest.

Himalaya Jet aims to redefine the travel experience by providing state-of-the-art facilities, attentive service, and a diverse menu. The airline aspires to set new standards for quality and customer satisfaction, becoming a symbol of excellence in the aviation industry.

The announcement has received overwhelming support from the Nepalese diaspora, with more than half a million residents in the UK, Europe, and Australia showing patriotic enthusiasm for the airline. Over 54,000 pre-bookings from the UK and Europe are anticipated to convert into direct flights to Nepal once the Global Distribution System (GDS) and Passenger Service System (PSS) are operational.

Passengers of Himalaya Jet will enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 70% at selected 5* and 4* star hotels, restaurants, car rentals, cinemas, shopping malls, spas, amusement parks, cable cars, helicopters, domestic airlines, and casinos through the airline’s generous loyalty program, “Himalaya Miles,” in collaboration with major credit/debit card providers.