Nepal Airlines' Airbus A330-200, registration 9N-ALY, returned to commercial operation on September 23, 2026, after a grounding caused by damage to a fan blade in one of its Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. The aircraft had been grounded in Japan since September 14 for inspection and repairs following the discovery of damage during pre-flight checks.
The aircraft operated a scheduled flight from Tokyo Narita to Kathmandu after repairs were completed and later conducted a service to Dubai International. The airline's second Airbus A330-200 remains at Naples for a delayed C-check, indicating ongoing maintenance activities.
Operational Context and Safety Measures
This incident underscores the importance of thorough maintenance and inspection regimes to ensure safety and operational reliability in fleet management. Nepal Airlines operates a fleet of six aircraft serving 21 destinations via 19 routes, with a focus on maintaining safety standards amidst fleet challenges.
"The swift resolution and return to service demonstrate our commitment to safety and reliability," said an airline spokesperson.
As the airline recuperates from recent technical issues, it emphasizes continued safety protocols and fleet upgrades to restore full operational capacity and expand regional connectivity.
