SATV 5 June, Kathmandu: Himalaya Airlines has marked a significant milestone, completing a decade of formal flight operations. To commemorate the occasion, the airline organized a celebratory event in Kathmandu, sharing the moment with its employees and esteemed guests.

Established in 2014 as a Nepal-China joint venture, Himalaya Airlines began its journey in the skies in 2015 by leasing a ‘Jetstream 41’ aircraft from Yeti Airlines. Since then, the airline has steadily expanded its footprint across the skies of the Middle East and South Asia, growing into a prominent international carrier from Nepal.

Now, a decade after its first flight, Himalaya Airlines operates a fleet of four aircraft of varying sizes, providing air services to destinations around the world.

The anniversary celebration in Kathmandu was graced by distinguished guests, including His Excellency Ambassador Chen Song of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs Mr. Xie Yu, Board Chairman of Himalaya Airlines Mr. Silang Zepei, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal Mr. Mukesh Dangol, and Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Mr. Deo Chandra Lal Karn, among others respected dignitaries.

The event featured a vibrant display of cultural performances including traditional dances and songs. A unique aspect of the celebration was the cultural costume exhibition competition, where participants donned traditional attire from Nepal’s diverse ethnic communities and presented descriptions of their cultural significance. A photo exhibition showcasing moments from the airline's journey over the past decade was also held.

Ambassador Chen Song expressed gratitude to Himalaya Airlines for its dedicated service to Nepal during challenging times and wished the airline continued success. He praised the airline’s progress as a symbol of the deepening friendship and shared future between China and Nepal, calling it a triumph of bilateral cooperation.

In his welcome remarks, Himalaya Airlines Chairman Mr. Zhou Enyong expressed his pride in the airline’s accomplishments. “Our mission was to build an air bridge connecting Nepal to the world. Over the past ten years, we have made remarkable progress toward that goal,” he said. “This journey, launched with the vision of transforming Nepal from a landlocked to a land-linked nation, is now approaching fruition.”

Board Chairman Mr. Silang Zepei highlighted that the airline's decade-long journey is a proud moment for both Nepal and China. He emphasized the need to further enhance cooperation and friendship between the two countries and strengthen people-to-people ties through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Speaking at the event Deputy Director General of CAAN, Mr. Deo Chandra lal Karn, expressed faith in bringing the Himalaya airlines on top among the current airline companies in Nepal. He also praised the China-Nepal joint venture and hoped these ventures to be added in large numbers so that aviation sector of Nepal could flourish well.

As Himalaya Airlines celebrates 10 years of operation and Nepal-China diplomatic ties reach the 70-year milestone, the event concluded with a strong message of continued partnership. Attendees expressed confidence in the airline's growing influence in global skies and the deepening of Nepal-China friendship in the years ahead.