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Goma Air to operate new turboprop aircraft from Feb

Goma Air is operating a new Let L410 UVP-E20 turboprop aircraft from February.

Issuing a statement, the airline said the 19-seater aircraft made in Czech Republic is a commuter type multi-engine turbo propeller aircraft. “This is the first time in four decades that a brand new aircraft is being brought in by a Nepali company to be operated in Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airfields,” the statement added.

Manoj Karki, managing director of Goma Air, said that the company will operate two aircraft manufactured by LET Aircraft Industries. The first aircraft will fly from Kathmandu to different destinations in eastern Nepal from mid-February, according to Karki. “The second aircraft, which will joint the fleet after six months, will fly to destinations in western region from its base in Pokhara,” said Karki.

According to Karki, the aircraft is fitted with all state of the art equipment and navigational aids which will ensure safe air travel.

Rabi Chandra Singh, director of VR Holdings -- the authorized representative for LET Aircraft Industries in Nepal, said that company is happy to bring aircraft that is suitable for Nepali sky. “We will make sure that necessary steps are taken to start Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO) in Nepal to provide service in the South Asian region and to supply spare parts,” he added.

This aircraft has received type certification by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

At present, more than 350 L410 UVP-E20 aircraft are flying in more than 50 countries around the world.

“This is our first aircraft in Nepali airspace. We are excited to be here and assure that the aircraft meet all the standards of International Safety Agency and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN),” Miroslav Kozisek, commercial director LET Aircraft Industries, said. “The successful test landing at Jomsom Airport has confirmed that our aircraft is the best STOL aircraft available in the world at present.”

Milan Slapak, commercial director of GE Aviation, which makes engines for the L410 UVP-E20, said the H80 engine in the aircraft is safe and reliable. “It is designed to work in Nepali conditions very well,” he said in the statement.

Goma Air is currently operating cargo flights in mid and far western region with two Cessna caravan aircrafts.

source: republica,8 Dec 2013