Nepal Airlines is seeking new build STOL aircraft for regional services

Nepal Airlines is looking for a supplier to provide short takeoff aircraft and has issued a formal request for proposals.

The airline is looking for three newly built STOL aircraft with at least 18 seats.

It states that they must be reconfigurable so that the seats can be removed or folded to transport goods.

The aircraft must be able to operate from a runway of 1,500 feet and have the capacity to carry 1.8 tonnes of cargo over 100nm.

Nepal Airlines intends to take delivery of the first airframe six months after signing a contract, and the other two at six-month intervals.

Bidders must submit their proposals by December 5.

Nepal Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus A330 and A320 jets, but also Viking Air DHC-6-300 Twin Otter turboprops.