KATHMANDU, May 4: After being grounded for nine months due to an aircraft accident, Saurya Airlines has started the process to renew its flight operation license from the Ministry of Tourism. The airline moved forward with the renewal after completing a test flight successfully.
The company plans to lease three ATR 72-600 series aircraft for its operations. The aircraft will be leased from an American aviation company, and around Rs 1.5 billion will be invested to resume services.
Previously, the airline suffered heavy financial losses operating Bombardier CRJ-200 jets. As a result, it is now shifting to more cost-effective ATR aircraft.
According to reports, one of the two aircraft belonging to the airlines is under maintenance, and the other is ready to fly.
The company has cleared all its dues with Tribhuvan International Airport. Saurya Airlines has been grounded since July 25, 2024, after one of its aircraft crashed at TIA while taking off.