Himalaya Airlines (H9, Kathmandu) is a 51/49 joint-venture between a consortium of Nepali investors - the Himalayan Infrastructure Fund (HIF) Aviation Investment and Yeti World Investment - and China's Tibet Airlines (TV, Lhasa). Yeti World Investment is affiliated with domestic operators Yeti Airlines (YT, Kathmandu) and Tara Air (Kathmandu).
Backed by NPR2.43billion (USD25million) in start-up capital, the carrier is looking to make its debut on October 28 this year using a mixed fleet of three A319-100s and A320s. Initial flights will operate from Kathmandu to Chengdu Shuangliu and Lhasa.
In the long term, the airline intends to acquire widebody aircraft to help achieve a projected minimum fleet size of 15 aircraft by 2019. Tibet Airlines will be providing all technical, managerial and marketing support.
