Kathmandu, Nepal: Harbin Y12e finally arriving today • Plane will be known as Koili

KATHMANDU, Nov 3: Ending months of uncertainty, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is finally bringing the 17-seater Harbin Y12e aircraft from China on Monday. Though China Aviation Industry Corporation formally handed over the Y12e in July, NAC could not bring the plane as the manufacturer said it was unable to supply an English-speaking instructor pilot along with the plane.

The twin engine turbo prop utility plane is provided by China to Nepal on grant as per an agreement to provide six aircraft on grant and concessional loan. The Harbin Y12e is part of the loan and grant agreement worth Rs 6.67 billion for the procurement of six aircraft -- two MA 60s and four 19-seater Harbin Y-12e. The MA 60 provided on grant has already been delivered and is flying in different domestic routes.

“Though late, we are happy that the aircraft is finally arriving. The plane is scheduled to land at 5:10 pm at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA),” said a high ranking official at NAC, adding that they had tried their best to bring the aircraft before Dashain but failed.

According to the official, the Chinese team along with instructor pilot is arriving in the aircraft. “Once the aircraft arrives, we will soon begin the procedure to obtain Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

NAC is planning to begin commercial operation through Harbin Y12e within the next 10 days if the test flights go well. The aircraft will be flying to the remote areas of western region.

The aircraft had already received the call sign 9N-AKS from CAAN. NAC has named the aircraft Koili.

Earlier China had sent an instructor pilot but as he could not speak and understand English, he was sent back so the plane delivery was delayed.

An NAC official requesting anonymity said, “We are hopeful there will be no hassles in documentation this time.”

NAC management decided not to bring the aircraft without an English speaking instructor pilot as the aircraft without an instructer cannot be flown. As the NAC pilots do not have training to fly Chinese aircraft, Nepal had to depend on China for instructor pilot. Harbin Y12e is a new type of aircraft for Nepal.

- Source:   http://www.myrepublica.com