Nepal's Saurya Airlines hopeful about AOC reissue

The chairman of Saurya Airlines (Kathmandu) says the carrier is preparing to resume operations after a fatal crash six months ago and the subsequent suspension of its air operator's certificate (AOC). Dipak Pokharel told Kathmandu's Business Age newspaper that the airline had submitted the required documents to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and was awaiting approval to resume flights. CAAN has confirmed receipt of the documentation but has yet to make a decision. CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul says, among other things, that the agency is weighing up whether Saurya Airlines meets the minimum staffing and airworthiness requirements for the reissuance of its AOC. Pokharel said measures such as recruiting staff and purchasing new aircraft are underway. Saurya suspended operations and later lost its AOC after a CRJ200ER crashed during takeoff from Kathmandu on July 24, 2024. Eighteen people died. The carrier is now down to two CRJ200s, although only one is operational.<br/>