SANGAM

Airline revenues take off with rise in traffic

SANGAM PRASAIN
AUG 05 -
Growth in tourist arrivals and movement of migrant workers has brought increased revenues for international airlines serving Nepal. While luxury airlines benefited from swelling inbound tourism, budget airlines revelled in high labour traffic.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), total passenger movement at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport in 2009 reached 2,027,147 including 984,593 departures and 1,042,554 arrivals.

Nepali arrivals and departures amounted to 562,331 and 588,645 respectively. Foreign travellers accounted for 378,712 arrivals and 417,679 departures. There were 15,701 international flight movements during the year. Currently, 25 international airlines link Nepal.

Qatar Airways flew the highest number of passengers in 2009 taking a 12.39 percent share of the market. The airline carried 251,214 passengers on 1,396 flights. Gulf Air came second with a 11.76 percent market share carrying 238,527 passengers on 1,240 flights. Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) took the third position with 11.72 percent. It carried 237,751 passengers on 1,950 flight.

Likewise, Indian Airlines had a 9.85 percent market share, Thai Airways 9.19 percent, Jet Airways 8.28 percent, Air Arabia 6.48 percent, Jet Lite Airways 5.29 percent, Etihad Airways 3.84 percent and Biman Bangladesh 3.48 percent.

With Nepal Tourism Year 2011 approaching and the government aiming to bring in one million tourists during the year, a number of international carriers have upped their frequency. A few new carriers are expected to link Nepal from September. Malaysian Airlines, Oman Air and Spirit of Manila Airlines are planning to fly to Nepal, said CAAN.

Ram Kaji Koney, past president of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), said that the increase in the number of international carriers was good for Nepal's tourism. He added that the weak performance of the national flag carrier had resulted in increased business for the international airlines. NAC needs to get back on its feet to promote Nepal around the world, he said.