KATHMANDU: The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN), the umbrella organisation of Nepal’s domestic aviation industry, has elected Pratap Jung Pandey, director of Kailash Helicopter Services, as its new president.

Pandey was elected unopposed during AOAN’s 25th Annual General Meeting, held in the capital on Friday, marking a leadership transition at a time when aviation remains critical to Nepal’s tourism recovery and regional connectivity.

The new executive committee reflects broad representation across fixed-wing and helicopter operators. Nima Nuru Sherpa of Altitude Air has been elected first vice-president, while Yeti Airlines CEO Subash Sapkota and Tara Air CEO Umesh Paneru were elected second and third vice-presidents respectively.

Muralidhar Joshi of Simrik Air has been elected general secretary, with Bal Krishna Pandit of Air Dynasty as secretary and Rupesh Joshi of Buddha Air as treasurer. Among the members is Phurba Chhiring Sherpa of Heli Everest, alongside Harsha Shrestha of Basecamp Helicopter, Ghanashyam Raj Acharya of Sita Air, Umesh Acharya of Saurya Airlines, Binod Thapa of Fishtail Air, Prajjwal Thapa of Guna Airlines, Milan Maharjan of Himalaya Airlines and Novel Kumar Rajalwot of Prabhu Helicopter.

In a statement, the newly elected working committee has expressed its commitment to playing an active role in the development of the domestic aviation sector, ensuring safe service operations, and strengthening the institutional framework of the industry. 

Established in 1997, AOAN represents 17 domestic airlines and works closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to promote safe, reliable and sustainable air transport. The association has led more than 100 aviation safety campaigns over its 28-year history and serves over 50 destinations, playing a key role in reinforcing safety culture across one of the world’s most challenging flight environments. According to the association, it is committed to enhancing aviation safety, strengthening institutional capacity and supporting tourism and regional air connectivity—particularly in Nepal’s remote and mountainous regions.