POKHARA, July 1: Plans are underway to merge paragliding companies flying both domestic and international tourists in the skies of Pokhara. The decision stems from difficulties in managing many companies and the inability to maintain professional standards.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the only regulatory body for aviation in Nepal, is preparing to merge paragliding companies. According to Gyanendra Bhul, head of the CAAN’s Recreational Aviation Division, the authority is introducing a policy to merge five companies into one.
“A merger policy is being introduced to better manage paragliding companies. Fewer companies will be easier to manage,” Bhul said, “The paragliding companies themselves will also become more professional and organized. Currently, many are not professional and are struggling to operate, unable to close yet also unable to sustain.”
According to him, five companies will be merged into one. This will also help enforce professionalism. A minimum of six months will be given to companies to enter into mergers. Companies will get three months for glider registration and another three months for the merger process, said Bhul.
“Some companies haven’t even been able to pay taxes to the government. This system is being introduced to prevent non-professionalism. Those who understand professionalism will survive, others will be absorbed,” he said. Currently, 54 companies are registered in Pokhara, but only 45 are actively operating. Not all can generate profits. Many are in a dilemma, unable to earn yet unable to shut down, so merging will help ease their burden.
The authority also plans to reduce the number of paragliding companies in Pokhara to a maximum of 10. “With fewer companies, there will be more professionalism and better profits,” Bhul said. Professional companies will be better equipped in terms of staff, vehicles, and safety. Non-professional companies will gradually disappear.
“Some companies start with investment, run for a while, then shut down,” Bhul said, “Running a paragliding company is not like operating a paan shop. One must have their own pilot, glider, vehicle, safety arrangements, and staff. It cannot be run haphazardly.”
Currently, the authority requires each paragliding company to own at least five gliders. However, it has not specified the maximum number. After merging companies, the number of gliders per company might increase. “The authority is preparing to register gliders. After that, companies will be given time to merge,” said Bhul.
Reducing the number of companies will also lower the number of gliders. However, due to rising demand, the authority has already directed that companies cannot charge arbitrary rates and must publish official price lists for tourists.
According to Bhul, the authority has issued directives to the umbrella organization of paragliding operators, Nepal Air Sports Association (NAA), mandating the deployment of two rescue boats (including at least one motorboat) at the shore of Phewa Lake during flight hours, regular drug and alcohol tests for pilots, and mandatory public display of passenger fees.
“Professionalism in paragliding hasn’t been achieved. With so many companies, managing the sector is difficult,” he said, “That’s why we need to work through policy. Currently, the sector is more agent-driven than professional. To control this, CAAN is preparing to reduce the number of companies through mergers.”
Currently, 260 pilots work in the 54 companies operating in Pokhara. On average, around 140 flights are conducted daily.
An operator in Pokhara said that many companies are being run forcibly. According to him, if CAAN strictly enforces mergers, at least 60 percent of the companies will comply immediately. “Some companies exist only on paper. Many are no longer traceable due to a lack of professionalism. Though registered, they struggle to sustain operations,” the operator said, “Rather than running at a loss, it’s better to merge.”
According to him, companies have failed to show excellence in office management, staffing, transport, and safety infrastructure. This, he said, is a result of a lack of professionalism. “Running a company just for the sake of appearance isn’t enough. It must be well-managed and professional. You can’t treat flying in the sky as a joke,” he said, “If CAAN brings a proper policy, many companies will be ready to merge.”
According to CAAN, around 80 paragliding companies are registered across Nepal. Of them, only 60 are actively doing business. Most of the active ones are in Pokhara. However, most are running at a loss. The authority estimates that only 25 companies are enough nationwide if the sector is properly managed.