Chinese Plane Auction Sparks MPs’ Worries Over ‘Junk Price’ and National Loss

In a significant development at the meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, Nepalese Members of Parliament (MPs) voiced their collective concern, demanding the immediate cessation of the auction of five Chinese planes by Nepal Airlines.

During the Thursday meeting, the majority of MPs argued that the auction, which allegedly includes two MA-60 and three Y-12E planes scheduled for the same day, should be halted. The parliamentarians claimed to have received information that Nepal Airlines was set to sell these planes at a time when they have been grounded at Tribhuvan International Airport for the past three years.

Expressing their disapproval, the MPs argued that the auction of these planes at a presumably low price raises questions about the decision-making process within Nepal Airlines. They emphasized that before such significant transactions take place, the Parliament should be informed about the conditions and justifications behind both the initial purchase and the subsequent decision to auction the planes at what they referred to as a “junk price.”

The parliamentarians further highlighted the unfortunate financial implications for the country, noting that the planes had incurred costs amounting to billions of rupees since their acquisition. They criticized the practice of acquiring aircraft through substantial borrowings and subsequently auctioning them without utilizing them, resulting in significant financial losses for the state.

Dr. Narayan Khadka, a Nepali Congress MP, stressed the need for transparency in the process of purchasing Chinese planes, calling for a thorough examination of the conditions and justifications behind the acquisition.

The grounding of the five planes by Nepal Airlines since Shrawan 15, 2077BS, has been a source of ongoing concern. The MPs pointed out that these aircraft, which were imported from China for domestic flights starting in 2071 BS, have only contributed to financial losses for both Nepal Airlines and the government.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the concerns raised by the parliamentarians will lead to a reassessment of the decision to auction the Chinese planes and prompt a reevaluation of the procurement and management practices within Nepal Airlines.