Buddha Air provides retired ATR-72 fuselage to Nepali Army for training use
The ATR-72 aircraft had completed approximately 70,000 flight cycles before being retired from regular commercial service by Buddha Air a few months ago.
KATHMANDU: Buddha Air has formally handed over the fuselage of its retired ATR-72 aircraft (MSN-535) to the Nepali Army for use in emergency preparedness and training activities.
The handover ceremony was held on Jestha 25 (June 8) at Buddha Air’s hangar at Tribhuvan International Airport.
During the event, Buddha Air Executive Chair Birendra Bahadur Basnet officially transferred the aircraft fuselage to Anup Jung Thapa, Chief of War Operations of the Nepali Army.
The ATR-72 aircraft had completed approximately 70,000 flight cycles before being retired from regular commercial service by Buddha Air a few months ago.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chair Basnet highlighted that the Nepali Army has been effectively fulfilling its responsibilities in disaster management, infrastructure development, maintaining peace and security, and safeguarding national interests.
He expressed pride in supporting such a prestigious institution.
He further stated that the donated fuselage would be useful for enhancing preparedness and response capabilities against potential aviation accidents, security threats, and emergency situations at airports.
According to him, the Nepali Army can effectively utilize the structure for training and drills under the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), including various alert-level scenarios.
Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) Deputy Director General Prem Nath Thakur, speaking at the program, said the fuselage provided by Buddha Air would significantly contribute to improving the Nepali Army’s training exercises, security preparedness, and capacity to respond to different risks and challenges.
He also praised the initiative as an exemplary contribution in strengthening aviation safety and noted continued coordination between Buddha Air and CAAN in aviation security matters.
The fuselage is expected to be used for airport emergency management, rescue operations, and security drills, further strengthening Nepal’s aviation safety system and preparedness mechanisms.
