Kathmandu, June 8 (IANS): After receiving the first of six passenger aircraft it ordered from China, the Nepali government has begun process to procure six more planes from China, officials said Sunday.
The Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) board decided to procure more planes from China after the proposal was approved by the Aviation Minister Bhim Acharya.
"The NAC board will now send a proposal to the line ministries, including the finance ministry, seeking approval to procure the planes," NAC spokesperson told Xinhua.
According to the spokesman, the aviation ministry will soon decide either to procure the aircraft in grant or in soft loan.
The spokesperson added that the NAC wants to procure more planes given the growth in aviation market in Nepal and to benefit the common Nepalis.
According to the plan, the NAC will get two Modern Ark 60 (MA60) and four Y12e planes.
On April 28, the Nepali government received the first China-made aircraft, a 58-seater MA60.
Earlier on Dec 28 last year, the government signed an agreement with China to procure and purchase six aircraft on concessional loan.