Himalaya Airlines, the successful joint venture uniting Nepal and China, proudly announces the commencement of its eagerly awaited Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight service, effective September 10, 2023. This momentous occasion signifies a remarkable achievement in Himalaya Airlines' unwavering commitment to bolster connectivity and foster stronger bilateral relations between Nepal and China.
The Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu route is poised to provide travelers with seamless access between Nepal's capital city and the captivating coastal city of Qingdao, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and economic significance. This launch underscores Himalaya Airlines' dedication to delivering convenient, secure, and efficient travel experiences for its passengers, with weekly services on Sundays commencing on September 10, 2023.
The maiden outbound flight, H9 7220, departed from Tribhuvan International Airport at 9:15 local time, bound for Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, with an estimated flight duration of 5 hours and 50 minutes. Notably, the inaugural flight accommodated 113 passengers, marking a remarkable start to this exciting venture.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed esteemed dignitaries, including the Chief Guest, Hon. Mr. Sudan Kirati, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, and H.E. Mr. Chen Song, the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal. They were warmly welcomed by Mr. Zhou Enyong, President, and Mr. Vijay Shrestha, Vice President of Himalaya Airlines.
In his welcoming address, President Zhou Enyong emphasized the significance of this route, stating, "Today, Himalaya Airlines celebrates more than just a new flight route; it marks a bridge connecting Nepal and China. Qingdao, a vital commercial and financial hub in China, also acts as a gateway linking Asia to Europe. We take immense pride in enhancing bilateral connectivity, fostering cultural exchanges, promoting tourism, and boosting trade between our two nations."
Ambassador Song expressed his views, stating, "The launch of the Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight service symbolizes the growing collaboration between Nepal and China. It ushers in a new chapter in our bilateral relations, facilitating not only tourism and trade but also cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections. China's investments in Nepal's aviation infrastructure have been significant, and this new route will invigorate Nepal's aviation industry, aiding its transformation from landlocked to land-linked. I applaud Himalaya Airlines for this initiative, confident that it will significantly enhance the friendship and cooperation between our two countries."
Minister Kirati, in his remarks, shared, "I am honored to be part of this historic moment as we celebrate the launch of the Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight service by Himalaya Airlines. Qingdao is a renowned cultural and economic center in China. This development strengthens connectivity and underscores our commitment to fortifying the bonds between Nepal and China. The tourism and trade potential between our nations is vast, and this flight service will play a pivotal role in realizing this potential. I believe that Himalaya Airlines will attract more Chinese tourists to Nepal through this route and extend an invitation to the people of Qingdao to visit Nepal."
Mr. Vijay Shrestha, the spokesperson of Himalaya Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for the new route, saying, "Himalaya's primary mission is to operate flights to ten different tourism sectors in China and welcome one million tourists to Nepal. H9 has always been at the forefront, exploring new routes to China and setting the standard in the industry. With the introduction of this route, Himalaya aims to create memorable travel experiences while upholding the highest safety standards. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome travelers on board our flights and enable them to explore the beauty and opportunities that both Nepal and Qingdao have to offer."
Himalaya Airlines extends a warm invitation to travellers, business leaders, and tourism enthusiasts to experience the convenience and comfort of the Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flight service. This new route promises exceptional service, reliability, and a gateway to exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of Nepal and China.
Passengers can now conveniently book their tickets for the Kathmandu-Qingdao-Kathmandu flights through Himalaya Airlines' ticketing counter, authorized travel partners, and the airline's official website: www.himalaya-airlines.com.
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