Nepal Airlines GM to be Selected by Open Competition

Nepal Airlines GM Open 

31st October 2025, Kathmandu

In a move signaling a push for meritocracy in state-owned enterprises.

Nepal Airlines GM Open 

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has decided to select the General Manager (GM) of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) through an open competition process.

Prime Minister Karki, who also holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), approved the formation of a high-level selection committee. This decision aims to ensure a transparent process and attract the most qualified candidate to lead the national flag carrier.

The initiative responds to long-standing calls for professionalizing the management of key public institutions. This marks a clear shift from the previous practice of political appointments. The focus now shifts to identifying a candidate with proven expertise in aviation management.

High-Level Committee Formed for Candidate Selection

The Prime Minister acted swiftly to establish the selection committee. The committee is tasked with identifying and recommending the most suitable candidates for the General Manager position.

The committee formation is as follows:

• Coordinator: Hari Prasad Mainali, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).
• Expert Member: Captain Kul Bahadur Limbu, an experienced aviation professional.
• Member Secretary: The Chief and Joint Secretary of MoCTCA’s Planning and Administration Division will execute this role.

The committee received a strict directive. It must complete the open competition process, shortlist eligible candidates, and submit its final recommendations within a one-month timeframe. This accelerated timeline indicates the government’s priority in stabilizing and reforming the management of Nepal Airlines.

Interim Appointments to Ensure Operational Continuity

Pending the conclusion of the Nepal Airlines GM Open selection process, interim arrangements have been made to maintain the corporation’s daily operations and leadership structure.

Janak Raj Kalakheti, the corporation’s most senior employee and Deputy Director General, has been appointed as the Acting General Manager. This seniority-based appointment ensures that a veteran staff member oversees all administrative and operational responsibilities during the transition period.

Similarly, the leadership of the NAC Board of Directors has also been temporarily addressed. Vice Chairman Bikram Rai will assume the duties of the Chairman of the Board until a permanent appointment or further notice is issued by the Ministry. This two-pronged interim solution ensures corporate governance and operational efficiency remain intact.

The Significance of Open Competition

The move to select the NAC General Manager through open competition holds immense significance for Nepal’s aviation sector. Nepal Airlines, despite its historical importance, has faced substantial financial and administrative challenges in recent years.

Choosing a leader via a competitive process should help in several ways. Firstly, it ensures that the new GM possesses the necessary technical and managerial acumen to navigate the complex international aviation landscape.

Secondly, it sends a strong message against political interference, which often plagues public corporations. The transparency offered by this process can help restore public trust and attract foreign investment partners to the struggling airline.

The new General Manager must address critical issues. These include modernizing the fleet, expanding international routes, settling massive debts, and improving service quality to compete effectively with regional carriers. The selection committee must scrutinize the candidates not just for their qualifications but also for their vision and concrete plans for NAC’s revitalization.

The government is committed to finding a capable leader who can steer the national flag carrier toward profitability and operational excellence. The success of this open competition model could set a precedent for appointing heads of other major government entities.

For more: Nepal Airlines GM Open