Three airlines – Yeti International, Cosmic Air and Impro Airways – have lost their Air Operation Certificate (AOC) after they failed to renew their periodic license. The AOC were nullified from January 11 as per the Aviation Regulations, according to Civil Aviation Authority Nepal (CAAN), the aviation regulator.

All three airlines are currently not into operation. They ceased operation at least a year ago, according to CAAN. They will need to pay double the required amount to renew their AOCs, according to the regulations.

Yeti International used to operate international flights while Cosmic Air used to fly in both domestic and international sectors. Impro, which ceased operation two years ago, had MI-17 helicopter for domestic chartered flights. Yeti International, which ceased its operation in April, last year, was promoted by Air Arabia and the group that operates Yeti Airlines, a domestic carrier.

According to CAAN sources, Cosmic Air has dues amounting to Rs 6.5 million and its Fokker aircraft has been grounded at Tribhuvan International Airport since 2006. International airline companies must furnish a fee of Rs 1 million for renewal of their operating license, while domestic carriers need to pay Rs 200,000 to Rs 400,000 depending on the type of aircraft.


Source: TAAN