Air International 2008-02
M.English - A Sociable Yeti - Yeti Airlines /Commercial/
Jetstream 41 9N-AHV about to depart from Kathmandu on one of the airline's twice-daily flights to Nepalgunj.
Yeti Airlines is the only domestic airline at Kathmandu to have its own hangar. Located at the far side of the airport to the terminal building and aprons, it provides much-appreciated cover for service and maintenance work.
A typically busy regional aircraft apron at Tribhuvan International Airport. Two Jetstream 41s are about to depart and a Twin Otter is just arriving
At the time of AIR International’s visit in November 2007, two of the Jetstream 41, including 9N-AHU, were still wearing the colour scheme of their former user, Trans State Airlines. The aircraft is seen about to land at Kathmandu, with the city's mosque in the background.
Yeti Airlines provides all its own flight servicing, including refuelling and cleaning its aircraft, and a ticketing service. Jetstream 41 9N-AIB, seen being turned around at Kathmandu, is the airline's most recent acquisition.
Flight deck of Jetstream 41 9N-AHY photographed whilst climbing to cruising altitude on an 'Everest Flight'. Some of the mountains in the Himalayan range can be seen through the cockpit. Note also the glass cockpit displays.
Many of the airfields served by Yeti Airlines, including Dolpo pictured here, are rudimentary, hence the need for a rugged aircraft such as the Twin Otter. Dolpo, the largest district in Nepal, is a popular tourist attraction, encompassing Tibetan and Buddhist settlements, spectacular snow peaks and a great variety of wildlife, including the snow leopard.
All the aircraft carry a Yeti paw print on the fin and 'Yeti Airlines' logos in Nepalese and English on opposite sides of the fuselage. As can be seen from this photograph of Twin Otter 9N-AFA, the Nepalese text is on the starboard side of the fuselage.
This photograph of Twin Otter 9N-AET reflects the type's 'quick-change' versatility. The aircraft arrived with passengers and is shown being turned around immediately for a cargo flight.
To ease carriage of cargo in the Twin Otter's main cabin, the seats fold flat. Cargo provides around 10% of the total fleet revenue, but it is an appreciable 30-40% of that earned by the Twin Otters.