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Since the final leg of October 2008 when I took over as Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the succeeding days marked eventful and hectic times. The year under review and 2009, in part, were significant for us and I have the pleasure in presenting the annual report which highlights our scope, activities and achievements during that period.
Nepal experienced an impressive air traffic growth in 2008. The number of international aircraft movements at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) was 14276 - a 29.10 % growth over 2007. The international passenger throughput was 1830630 - a 32.36 % rise over 2007. Our air traffic controllers handled a total of 83,562 flights in the year under review, which is an 8 % increase over 2007. Not only on international, but also in the domestic front, the traffic growth of 13 %, 17.43 % and 45.42 % was experienced in respect of aircraft, passenger and freight movement at TIA, respectively, Given the trend, the civil aviation sub-sector will have made a significant contribution to the Government?s newly brought out campaign of Visit Nepal Year 2011 aimed to bring in 1 million tourists during that year.
On licensing activity, as of date we issued 403 CPL out of which 143 are valid. ATPL holders have reached 278. There are 248 AMT's with valid licenses. Likewise, valid licenses have been issued to 36 Dispatchers, 57 ATC's and 19 Radio rated personnel as of 2008. 60 airline survey inspection was performed from July 16, 2008 to July 15 2009.
Civil Aviation Academy has so far produced around 2900 trained personnel for air traffic services, radio-electronics maintenance, flight dispatch, security, rescue and fire fighting services - all for management of operations. Now, before it is too late, we have to adopt suitable technology and implement process for this. I would also like to touch upon the human resource development aspects of CAAN and industry later.
We are aware of and responsive to future needs in the avio- tourism sector. Despite heavy investment on airport infrastructure development, installation and maintenance of navigational aids and overall management of airports our challenge is to ensure regular and reliable air transport to the mountain communities. The government has allowed the operation of single engine aircraft to benefit charter operators. It can be perceived as a good comeback as there will be less consumption of fuel and become affordable for use by both private operators and the needy. However, without any compromise on safety, necessary mechanism and policy, guidelines will be adopted towards encouraging private sectors to operate both the tourist and non- tourist sectors.
In view of rapidly growing traffic, CAAN is concerned with improvement and expansion of Tribhuvan International Airport. It was in response to the request from the Government that ADB agreed to fund a study involving the review of TIA Master Plan and air traffic forecast under ADB Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (PPTA), and also the infrastructure development plan report of ADB TA 4772. Under this assistance we will see door open for massive strengthening and improvement works as per new air traffic growth trend. Besides, the project will also carry out studies on organisational and management aspect of CAAN. However, considering the need to cope with increased traffic we are geared to expand operational hours of TIA. Runway overlay and apron expansion works have been initiated. We are aware that despite operational constraints, we need to have a Localizer DME approach system for precision at TIA. It will be encouraging for international airlines to utilize TIA in various slots of operations, particularly during night, with increased safety and reliability. Similarly, Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) system is in process of being established to ensure hassle-free check-in of passengers and goods. We have allocated budget for up gradation of Rescue and Fire Fighting Service category from 8 to 9, to meet requirements in respect of new modern aircraft types as anticipated.
Keshab Raj Khanal
Director General
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