Nepal Airlines Issues RFP for Three STOL Aircraft

Nepal Airlines has released a Request for Proposals (RFP), inviting bids for the purchase of three short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft. The state-owned airline aims to acquire brand-new STOL aircraft with specific requirements outlined in the RFP.

The RFP, officially titled NAC-PURCHASE/ 01/STOL/80-8, specifies the following criteria for potential bidders:

• Brand-new aircraft with zero flight hours and no more than 25 hours of flying for test flight performance.
• Minimum engine capacity of 620 shaft horsepower, providing at least 4,000 hours of flying before mandatory overhaul.
• Capability to operate on runways of 1,500 feet or less.
• FAA and EASA approval.
• Fully integrated digital avionics package, including FDR, CVR, 406 MHz ELT with latitude and longitude transmission, HF Radio, and a second ADF radio.
• Seating capacity for a minimum of 18 passengers plus one cabin crew, with removable/foldable seats and stretcher capacity.
• True airspeed of at least 180 KTAS.
• Acceptance by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
• Delivery in fully airworthy condition, compliance with airworthiness directives, and minimum one-year warranty for airframe and engines.

Bidders are required to submit financial and production information, including audited balance sheets, income statements, and details of the average annual turnover for the past three years. The manufacturer must demonstrate ten years of STOL aircraft manufacturing experience, and the offered aircraft type should have been in production for at least ten years with a minimum of 75 units sold.

Nepal Airlines intends to boost its fleet to enhance its capacity to meet existing passenger demand effectively. The RFP submission deadline is December 5, 2023, and the airline plans to finalize the acquisition within the next twelve months.

For further updates and details, refer to official statements and reliable news sources.

(Note: The information provided is based on available reports and publicly accessible sources as of the knowledge cutoff date in January 2022.)