Nepal Airlines is selling off some of its planes at what its officials are calling ‘junkyard price.’ They are struggling to find buyers for these planes. But why are they selling these planes off in the first place? The reason has a lot to do with its functioning and how a lack thereof has been a problem for the airline. Here is everything that you need to know about this perplexing piece of news.
Why Is Nepal Airlines Selling Off Its Planes At ‘Junkyard Price’?
According to an article published by The Kathmandu Post, Nepal’s flag carrier is selling five of its planes at throwaway prices. Between 2014 to 2018, Nepal Airlines purchased a total of six Chinese planes at a price of 6.66 billion Nepalese rupees.
However, the planes have been nothing but trouble for the airline ever since the beginning. One of these five planes has already crashed. The five other planes are now grounded owing to different issues like frequent breakdowns. Three of the five planes are Y12e which has a capacity of 17 people.
The other two are MA60 which can seat 56 people. Since the airline is already debt-ridden, it is struggling to pay for the frequent expenditures that the aircraft warrant. Other issues like the shortage of pilots have also added to the problem.
Also Read: The Yeti Airlines Jet That Crashed In Nepal Was Previously Owned By Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher
Board Reluctant To Sell Planes At Such A Low Price
As per an official from the Tourism Ministry of Nepal cited in The Kathmandu Post, the board of Nepal Airlines is reluctant to sell it at so cheap a price. The five planes are now being sold at 220 million Nepalese rupees which is its scrap value, as per another official cited in the article.
Until the board gives its approval, the airline cannot sell its planes.
Also Read: Trivandrum-Dubai Air India Flight Returns To Airport; Airlines Cites AC Issue
What are your thoughts on this news? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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