TALKS to prepare for the launch of a direct air service between Kathmandu and Yangon are in their final stages, the Nepalese ambassador, Mr Victory SJB Rana, said last week.

The talks, between privately-owned Nepalese carrier, Cosmic Air, and the Myanmar government, began early this year, Mr Rana told Myanmar Times on August 15.

The airline hoped to launch the service in September to coincide with the start of the tourist high season, he said.

“The chairman of the airline was here a few weeks ago and said he’s hoping the flights can begin soon,” Mr Rana said.

It will be the first direct service between Kathmandu and Yangon in 17 years. The national flag carriers of the two countries ceased flights between the two capitals in 1988.

Mr Rana said Cosmic Air will use a Fokker-100 aircraft that can carry 105 passengers on the flights, which will take two-and-a-half hours. The airline, which has services to India and Bangladesh, is considering flying to Yangon twice a week, he said.

Mr Rana said he believed the service would be successful in attracting international travelers because the two countries share similar cultural and heritage attractions, although with interesting differences.

“It would be very interesting for international tourists as both countries have impressive religious sites as well as areas of great natural beauty,” he said.
Mr Rana said there was also expected to be demands from Myanmar and Nepalese travelers, including those interested in making Buddhist pilgrimages.

The Lord Buddha was born at Lumbini, in southern Nepal.

Meanwhile, national flag carrier Myanmar Airways International has announced the temporary suspension of its service to New Delhi.

The suspension, which is seasonal, will take effect on September 16. The service will resume in early 2006.

“With the traditional low travel season (in India) ahead of us, we have decided to temporarily suspend the New Delhi service until the next peak travel period in 2006,” MAI’s managing director, Mr Gerard de Vaz, said in a media statement.

MAI inaugurated the first non-stop service between Yangon and New Delhi in March 2004 with three flights a week.