Nepal Airlines offers discounted fares to NEA staff and business leaders

KATHMANDU: Employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and members of the private business sector have been receiving discounted fares on Nepal Airlines flights.

According to a report obtained by Khabarhub, the financially struggling national flag carrier has been offering up to 15 percent discounts on international tickets for NEA staff and their family members under a formal agreement signed between the two institutions.

The agreement also provides a 5–10 percent discount on cargo rates, depending on volume and type. This arrangement has been in effect since January 3, 2022.

The deal requires NEA employees to use Nepal Airlines for personal international travel and for transporting NEA cargo.

Similarly, Nepal Airlines has also signed agreements with four umbrella organizations of the private sector — the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, and the National Business Initiative. Under these agreements, officials, members, staff, and their families are entitled to a 15 percent discount on international flight tickets.

The carrier stated that these agreements were made to promote Nepal Airlines at national and international events.

However, reports indicate that such promotional activities by the private sector have not been visible in practice.