Yeti Airlines expands fleet with acquisition of two ATR 72-500 aircraft

KATHMANDU:  In a strategic move to bolster its business operations, Yeti Airlines has successfully procured two ATR 72-500 aircraft, each boasting a seating capacity of 72. The aircraft, marked with Nepali registrations 9N-AOF and 9N-AOH, touched down at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on a Thursday evening, signifying a significant milestone for the airline.

This acquisition comes on the heels of Asian Life Insurance becoming a new partner in Yeti Airlines, acquiring a 49 percent stake in the airline in mid-October. The expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing its services and reach in the aviation sector.

The addition of these ATR 72-500 aircraft from Bangladesh brings Yeti Airlines’ total fleet size to seven. Sudarshan Bertaula, the spokesperson for the company, highlighted that these newly-acquired aircraft are poised to serve existing destinations.

Presently, Yeti Airlines operates regular flights connecting major cities such as Kathmandu, Chandragadhi, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Simara, Pokhara, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj.

After completing the necessary paperwork, the airline anticipates resuming regular flight services within a week, further emphasizing its commitment to providing convenient and accessible domestic air services.

Subhash Sapkota, Chief Executive Officer of Yeti Airlines, stated that the expansion aims to meet the growing demand for domestic air travel, with plans in place to acquire three more aircraft by the end of 2024. This move is expected to reinforce Yeti Airlines’ position as a key player in Nepal’s aviation industry and contribute to the country’s air connectivity.