A new “premium long-haul airline” is to connect Nepal non-stop with Europe. That’s what a family of entrepreneurs who founded Himalaya Jet is planning. Currently, only Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul to Nepal.
The surname Gurung is about as common in Nepal as Berger, Winkler or Beck in Germany. So he’s not at the top of the list of surnames, but you hear him quite often. Because he originally comes from the tribe of the Gurung.
Himalaya Jet is to connect Europe with Nepal
Jamuna Gurung is the most famous representative of the surname. She is married to Shesh Ghale. The successful entrepreneurial couple has assets of around 1.2 billion Australian dollars, the equivalent of around 720 million euros. This makes them the second richest family with Nepalese roots – even if they have long lived in Australia.
Currently, only Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul to Nepal
Now Jamuna Gurung is taking action towards her homeland with a new project. She founded Himalaya Jet in the UK. The new airline will one day connect Nepal non-stop with Europe. Currently, only Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul to Nepal. Most travelers from European countries change trains there or in the Gulf.
It was very different in the 90’s and 90’s. At that time steered condor (from Munich), Austrian Airlines and Lauda (from Vienna) and the state-owned Royal Nepal Airlines (from Frankfurt) to Kathmandu. As a first step, Himalaya Jet wants to fly to the Nepalese capital from London and Paris.
“Premium long-haul airline” has London and Paris as its first destinations
Himalaya Jet calls itself “premium long-haul airline”. The goal is to offer travelers to Nepal convenience and eliminate the hassle of transit at a hub. Kathmandu should not be the only destination. The company also mentions Delhi and Mumbai as possible destinations. However, the competition there is already fierce.
Himalaya Jet does not say anything about the fleet yet. However, last week representatives of the company visited Boeing in Seattle. That should show at least a certain preference. The aircraft manufacturer also advises the company strategically.
While London and Paris are the first destinations Himalaya Jet is targeting in Europe, leadership is already eyeing other cities. On the website, Himalaya Jet also mentions Frankfurt, Madrid, Rome, Vienna and Zurich, but not under “Direct Flights”. The company may also be considering feeder offers with partners.
In the future, Himalaya Jet would also like to fly to Australia and North America. The start-up lists Sydney, New York, Washington and Toronto as desired destinations. The start date is extremely ambitious: the company wants to start flight operations as early as September.
This article was written by Stefan Eiselin