September 30: Himalaya Airlines, a joint venture of Nepalese and Chinese investors, has announced to operate direct flights to Beijing within a month.  The company made such announcement while unveiling its new logo during a function in the capital on Sunday, September 29.

According to the company, it will operate flights to Beijing from October 27. The company’s Vice President Vijay Shrestha informed media persosn that they will also operate flights to other cities of China soon.

“The Kathmandu-Beijing-Kathmandu flights will embark the first-ever direct air connectivity between the capital of two long-time friendly nations, helping the countries extend their bilateral ties to a new height with the exchange of culture,” said Zhou Enyong, president of the airline company.         

On Sunday, the airline company launched its new logo during an official event held at Hotel Royal Singi. Zhou Enyong, president of Himalaya Airlines and Vice President Vijay Shrestha unveiled the new brand identity of the airlines during the press meet.

The airlines in a statement informed that the new logo of a soaring eagle amidst the Himalayan peaks has be founded on the airlines key guiding principles of safety, performance, customer service and proper practice.

Similarly, Ujjwala Dali, head of brand and service department for Himalaya Airlines informed that the eagle  in the logo represents the bird that inhabits the Himalaya range and is regarded as a symbol of perseverance and courage.

Established in 2014, Himalayan Airlines is owned but Nepalese and Chinese companies. Fifty one percent of the shares of the company belong to Yeti World Investment of Nepal while the remaining 49 percent belongs to Chinese companies. Tibet Civil Aviation Development and Investment Co Ltd has acquired the Chinese shares.

Himalaya Airlines informed that the company has a total of 320 staff, including 283 Nepali citizens, 20 Chinese and 17 other nationalities. Since the launching of flight operation in May 2016, Himalaya Airlines has operated 2,513 flights, transporting around 657,000 passengers.

The airlines claimed that it has been paying an average of than $3million in tax to the government every year.