Kathmandu, December 1
Non-Residential Nepalis Association President Bhaban Bhatta’s BB Airways has been given 45 days to clear its dues to the state-run Nepal Airlines Corporation in relation to the purchase of a Boeing aircraft.
Bhatta, who runs multiple businesses in Japan, had paid Rs 15 million to the national flag carrier just few days before his election to the position of President of Non-Resident Nepalis Association International Coordination Council last month. He was due to pay the remaining amount of Rs 136.8 million within one week.
However, the national flag carrier had reported earlier that Bhatta went incommunicado without paying the amount.
But, just this Tuesday, the NAC and BB Airways signed an agreement to sell the Boeing-757. “As per the agreement, the company has to pay us the due within next 45 days,” says NAC spokesperson Rabindra Shrestha.
The NAC had failed to sell the ‘aged’ aircraft even after calling proposal for three to four times. It had made an agreement with the BB Airways for the sale through talks.
The NAC had purchased the aircraft in 1987. It had decided to sell it after its maintenance cost continued to rise up and consequently could not yield much profit. The old aircraft is grounded for last two years..
The aircraft has already completed 86,410 flight hours.
An NAC official says the aeroplane is too old to carry passengers. It, however, can be used for cargo transportation.
