Delay in Return of Aircraft from C-check due to Circumstances Beyond Control: NAC Executive Chair

Yuvaraj Adhikari, the executive chairman of Nepal Airlines Corporation(NAC), has clarified that repeated tender announcements to select a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company caused delays in sending a wide-body aircraft to Italy for a C-check.

With key festivals like Dashain and Tihar approaching, when the airline's business typically sees an uptick, two wide-body aircraft are currently abroad for regular maintenance checks. Concerned about the impact on the airline's credibility, the Ministry of Tourism sought an explanation from Adhikari in August.

In his response on September 5, Adhikari explained that the NAC had initiated the tender process eight months before the scheduled C-check, by forming a subcommittee as per the existing regulations to prepare tender documents and call for international bids. However, the proposals received were not substantial, leading to three rounds of tender announcements.

NAC’s Airbus A330, with registration number 9N-ALY, which was sent to Italy in June, is expected to return to Nepal within a few days. The other A330, registered as 9N-ALZ, which was sent to Italy in August, is scheduled to return before Dashain. Adhikari emphasized that despite sending the aircraft to Italy over two and a half months ago, the delays were beyond the NAC’s control.

According to the agreement, the MRO company was supposed to complete the maintenance within a month. However, the need for both regular and unscheduled maintenance extended the time required, making it impossible to return the aircraft without completing the necessary work.

Defending the situation, Adhikari stated that the delay in the C-check was due to circumstances beyond the NAC’s control, and it would be difficult to pinpoint any individual or official responsible for it.