STORY: Himalaya Airlines becomes first certified safety-audit operator in Nepal
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 9, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 10, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:35
LOCATION: Katmandu
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the press conference

STORYLINE:

Himalaya Airlines has been registered as an operator under an International Air Transport Association (IATA) safety audit program, the first and only one for airlines in Nepal.

The move means the operational management and control systems of Himalaya Airlines have been recognized and accepted internationally, the Kathmandu-based airline announced on Tuesday at a press meet in the Nepali capital.

Himalaya Airlines, a China-Nepal joint venture established in 2014, was certified in late December under the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program, and the registry is valid until early March 2025.

"This milestone signifies a positive shift in Nepal's aviation industry," Vijay Shrestha, the operator's vice resident, said at the press briefing.

"We're proud to lead by example, setting new benchmarks for safety and operational excellence," Shrestha added.

Nabina Karmacharya, deputy director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, lauded Himalaya Airlines for its "exceptional dedication to safety leading to the prestigious IOSA certification."

Established in 2003, the IOSA's process involves an audit of airline policies, procedures and practices, and the audit includes both document reviews and on-site assessments.

Himalaya Airlines currently operates passenger flights to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Bangladesh and China.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kathmandu.
(XHTV)