| bihan |
Posted
on 11-Feb-04 01:29 PM
RNAC has never failed to disappoint me in many ways. As a frequent traveller, I have hundreds of stories with my direct experience on RNAC.
in 80s, when private airlines were not there, RNAC had the monopoly in domestic sector. And I had no choice but to fly with RNAC. Once they made me walk from Bhojpur back to Biratnagar; they would not confirm my ticket as they would leave some seats open till very last minute for VIPs and afno maanches. Later on I learned that that flight left Bhojpur short of 5 passengers its full capacity. I complained about my not getting the ticket to the Manager at RNAC New Road but, as usual, it was never taken seriously. On the international sector, I avoid RNAC as much as I can, but due to scheduling or flight timing, I get scheduled in RNAC flights, and as I said, they never fail to disappoint me.
What bothers me most the attitude of the staff both at the check in counter and at the city office. If you are not "somebody" or you are not a friend or acquintance of some staff, then you are treated like as if you are bothering them by being on their flight.
On the international sector, they hardly maintain their timings ever. They always blame on the availability of the aircraft.
Even if you have a confirmed ticket, RNAC requires that you come to their office to get it stamped for reconfirmation. Why can it not done by phone? Going to their office is like going to Maal Adda. I was there once five minutes before they were to break for lunch. I requested the lady politely but she refused. Then I waited the whole hour but when they started their shop, it was 20 minutes after the lunch hour.
Here are suggestions:
a)Liquidate RNAC. Let the staff go many of whom are recruited on the basis of a chit from a minister or an afno manche anyway.
b)Allow private airlines to operate on the profitable Kath-Delhi and Kath-Bangkok sector.
Thai Airlines has minted money in Kath-Bangkok sector. In fact, for a RNAC personstationed in Bangkok, you need an income tax clearance. Why HMG is not doing the same for the Thai expat staff in Kathmandu?
c)Start a new airlines (the national carrier ---- with private investment).
In my view, RNAC is not a national flag carrier. It is a national shame carrier. Need I explain it further?
Bihan
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