Himalaya Jet: A new era of long-haul travel connecting Nepal, UK and Europe

KATHMANDU: Himalaya Jet, a premium long-haul British airline, is in the final stage of preparation to operate flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Sydney to Nepal.

In September 2023, Himalaya Jet appointed Paul Argyll, the Flight Director, as the General Sales Agent for the UK, and Joy Dewan from Zenith Travels as the representative for Nepal for the UK route.

The airline plans to operate flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Sydney to Nepal in 2024 using the ACMI model on scheduled charter flights. This will precede the main routes from Monte Carlo (NICE Airport) to Macau, and Las Vegas/Los Angeles in the third quarter of 2025 with EU AOC, according to the statement issued by Himalaya Jet.

"After 29 years, the Gurung Family of the UK, of Nepali origin, took responsibility for the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) that was initiated on March 3, 1994. Now there will be over three flights a week from the UK to Nepal in the early stages.

Mark Bosly FRAeS, the UK Chief Air Services Negotiator from the UK Department for Transport's Aviation Directorate, and President Dipendra Gurung MIoD of Himalaya Jet led both their delegations at the Department of Transport headquarters in London to take it further to new heights." The Gurung Family Conglomerates has generations of engagements in mega hydro projects and private funding to airlines along with real estate.

"The owner, being of Nepali origin, has chosen 'Nepal' as the first destination for Himalaya Jet from the UK and Europe. This decision is a testament to our founder's love for the country and his desire to introduce the world to the rich culture, warm hospitality, and awe-inspiring landscapes that Nepal has to offer, including eight of the highest Himalayan peaks in the world, such as Mount Everest," the statement read.

"Himalaya Jet is committed to providing a seamless travel experience, with state-of-the-art facilities, attentive service, and a diverse menu. The airline aims to become a symbol of excellence in the aviation industry, setting new standards for quality and customer satisfaction."

The premium long-haul carrier has been cheered by more than half a million Nepali diasporas in the UK, Europe, and Australia patriotically. They have shown love with the patriotic name Himalaya.

According to the London HQ, more than 54,000 who pre-booked from the UK and Europe are highly anticipated to book direct flights to Nepal when GDS and PSS are ready.

The passengers of Himalaya Jet will get exclusive discounts of up to 70% in selected partner 5-and-4-star hotels, restaurants, car rentals, cinemas, shopping malls, spas, amusement parks, cable cars, helicopters, domestic airlines, and casino chips under the world's most generous loyalty programme 'Himalaya Miles' in conjunction with major credit/debit card providers, the airline said.