In Nepal, going to remote corners of the Himalaya by helicopter is a pleasurable and exciting activity. There are two types of helicopters currently operating in the private sector. The most frequently seen is the powerful Russian-made MI-17. This is a big bird, capable of transporting four tons of cargo and can reach altitudes well in excess of 5,000 m.
The other craft is the smaller and more maneuverable French-made Ecureuil AS350B series. This sports car of the rotor world is smooth and quiet and offers excellent visibility. Wide bodied and comfortable, it can carry five passengers and the newest models can land at 6,100 m.
AIR ANANYA
Tripureswor, Kathmandu; Tel: 222948, 220172; Fax: 977-1-228324; E-mail: mitco@ wlink.com.np
Air Ananya operates MI-17 helicopters on its services which include rescue, sling operations and transporting heavy cargo and foodgrains anywhere within Nepal.
ASIAN AIRLINES HELICOPTER
Thamel, Kathmandu; Tel: 423273, 423274, 416116; Fax: 977-1-423315, 410086
Managed and run by Sherpas with 20 years’ experience in the tourism business. First company to introduce Russian MI-17 helicopters in Nepal. Offers charter flights to any part of Nepal and daily flights to Lukla and Syangboche. It also operates Ecureuil helicopters.
COSMIC AIR
Sales and Reservation - Heritage Plaza; Tel: 246882, 241051, 244026
Chundevi, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu; Tel: 427150, 416881, 427358; Fax: 977-1-427084; E-mail: soi@wlink.com.np
Cosmic Air operates MI-17 helicopter on charter basis for mountain flights, aerial photography and flights to any airfield in Nepal. Ideal for individuals and groups including business groups.
DYNASTY AVIATION
Lazimpat, Kathmandu; Tel: 422502, 414262; Fax: 977-1-422498
Dynasty Aviation operates French-made Ecureuil helicopters for various purposes — from tourism activities such as sight-seeing, trekking and mountaineering to other highly technical and specific operations.
FISHTAIL AIR
T.N.T. Complex, Tinkune; Tel: 485186; Fax: 977-1-485187; E-mail: fish@rotor.mos.com. np
Fishtail Air flies Ecureuil AS 350 B2 craft for tourist charter flight, rescue operation, mountain flight, medical evacuation and other services according to the demand of the customer.
GORKHA AIRLINES
Hattisar, Kathmandu; Tel: 436576, 436579, 435121, 435122, 472989; Fax: 977-1-435430; E-mail: gorkha@mos.com.np
Gorkha Airlines operates two Russian MI-17 choppers, each capable of carrying four tons of cargo. Its services range from normal charters to sling operations.
KARNALI AIR SERVICE
Sinamangal, Kathmandu; Tel: 473141, 488288, 491415; Fax: 977-1-488288; E-mail: karnaair@mos.com.np; Website: www.travel-nepal.com/karnaliair
Karnali Air Service offers charter services for mountain flight, aerial surveys, heli-skiing, heli-trekking, valley tours, business lunches, rescues and film shooting using two French-made Ecureuil AS 350B and one Ecureuil AS 350 BZ helicopters. It also operates three Kawasaki BK-117 twin-engined 9-seater helicopters for regular charter domestic flight as well as mountain flight.
MANANG AIR
Tinkune, Sinamangal, Kathmandu; Tel: 496253
Manang Air operates two Russian MI-17 helicopters which are used to ferry cargo. The airline plans to add fixed wing aircraft in the near future for passenger services.
