Yeti Airlines (YT, Kathmandu) has secured backing from Asian Life Insurance to acquire three ATR72-600s, according to Kathmandu's Bizmandu outlet, adding that the airline is already running the ruler over the aircraft type and is in talks with potential suppliers.
Chairman Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa told the outlet that Yeti would buy used aircraft around eight to nine years old to avoid delays. He said training for pilots and ground staff is already underway to ensure "seamless operations." The airline, one of the country's biggest domestic operators, presently has a fleet of seven ATR72-500s that service eight airports within Nepal.
Speaking to ch-aviation earlier this year, Yeti Airlines CEO Subhas Sapkota said the carrier was looking to add to its existing fleet, albeit with additional ATR72-500s. He said strong passenger demand was driving the growth. ch-aviation has contacted Yeti Airlines for comment on the latest developments.
Last last year, that Kathmandu-based Asian Life Insurance paid NPR1.75 billion Nepalese rupees (USD13.1 million) for a 49% stake in Yeti Airlines.
