A new London-based airline intends to fly directly to Sydney, promising cheaper fares on premium full-service flights.
Called Himalaya Jet, the startup airline has just completed a statutory consultation of its operations, which would reach across Europe, North America, Asia and even Australia.
It has also recently completed a visit to Boeing’s headquarters in Seattle.
Himalaya Jet says it will link cities with point-to-point, premium long-haul, full-service flights.
Destinations it plans to service include London, Paris, Mumbai, Delhi, Kathmandu and Sydney. Other destinations include New York, Washington DC, Toronto, Zurich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Rome and Vienna.
It is also promising more affordable air fares, at a time when the high cost of flying is attracting a lot of attention.
On its website, it says its direct flights would “not only save time, but will be an estimated 30 per cent cheaper than other traditional airlines’ fares”.
Nepalese origins
While the Himalaya Jet is based in the UK, the carrier’s non-stop flights to Australia might originate in Nepal. So direct flights would unlikely be non-stop.
“With owners from Nepalese origin, Himalaya Jet will look to expand its services to the USA and even Australia in the years ahead, especially from Kathmandu,” the airline said in a statement.
According to Airfinance Journal, Himalaya Jet said it will lease two Boeing 787-8s by September for three years and intends to expand its fleet to 18 aircraft by the end of its third year of operations.
Himalaya Jet is owned by the Gurung family, who also own Privé Luxury Cinemas at various high-end hotels around the world and investments in ventures like hydrogen-powered cars and hydroelectric energy.
Earlier this month, Turkish Airlines chairman Professor Ahmet Bolat declared that Turkey’s national carrier intended to commence direct flights to Australia.
For more information on the operation, click here.