Nepal's aviation sector, a cornerstone of the nation's economy, finds itself at a pivotal juncture. While traditionally reliant on aeronautical revenue, it faces formidable challenges from external forces. However, a promising avenue for resolution lies in Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR), presenting significant opportunities for financial stability, enhanced passenger experience, and overall sectoral growth.

The seminar, presided over by Mr. Deepak V.K. and presented by Mr. Suraj Bishankh & Mr. Shankar Gangaju of "Group E", delved into the indispensable role of Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) in fostering financial stability and progress within Nepal's aviation sphere. The presentation adeptly delineated the perils of excessive dependence on aeronautical revenue while underscoring NAR's vast potential to diversify revenue streams, elevate passenger satisfaction, and contribute to the national economy.

Key Highlights:

· The global aviation landscape is undergoing a notable shift towards NAR, with airports broadening their revenue streams beyond traditional sources such as landing fees and parking charges.

· Currently, Nepal's aviation sector derives a mere 22% of its revenue from NAR, signaling substantial room for enhancement.

· The seminar identified several potential sources of NAR, including cargo handling, airport hotels, innovative retail concepts, and entertainment facilities.

· Prioritizing passenger satisfaction through enhanced amenities, personalized shopping experiences, and cultural showcases emerged as a pivotal strategy.

· Key drivers for NAR growth included modernizing infrastructure, fostering partnerships with international and local brands, and leveraging data analytics.

· Addressing regulatory hurdles and streamlining processes were underscored as imperative steps to foster investment and innovation.

Strengths:

· The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the global NAR landscape and its applicability to Nepal.

Areas for Improvement:

· While specific NAR sources were mentioned, further elaboration and concrete examples could have enriched the discourse.

· More emphasis could have been placed on addressing potential challenges and implementing mitigation strategies tailored to the Nepalese context.

· Quantifying the potential impact of increased NAR on airport finances, passenger experience, and employment creation could bolster the overarching message.

During the seminar, Mr. Kashinath Poudel, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, shared valuable insights with the presentation group, emphasizing the imperative of augmenting NAR through meticulous examination

of micro-level details. Additionally, Mr. Baldev Prasad Joshi, a faculty member at the Nepal Administrative Staff College and Director of Studies, underscored the significance of learning from mistakes and advocated for infrastructure development and enhanced facilitation at airports based on cost-benefit analysis.

Mr. Taraprasad Kharel, a faculty member, Deputy Director of Studies, and Course Coordinator at the Nepal Administrative Staff College, also addressed the seminar, emphasizing the importance of investing in airport infrastructure, facilitation, and technology for sustained happiness and well-being. He highlighted the pivotal role of CAAN in formulating strategies and plans to harness NAR from the non-aeronautical sector.

Lastly, Mr. Nawaraj Dahal, as the Rapporteur, and Ms. Sanju Poudel, as the Event Manager, along with Mr. Narayan Shrestha, expressed gratitude to all seminar participants, experts, and guests. The seminar provided a meticulously researched and insightful analysis of the untapped potential of NAR in Nepal's aviation sector, effectively disseminating key messages and recommendations to a diverse audience. By incorporating the suggested enhancements, the seminar's findings can serve as an invaluable resource for stakeholders dedicated to advancing Nepal's aviation industry.

The seminar took place at Prithivi Hall, Dikchya Sadan of Nepal Administrative Staff College, commencing precisely at 11:40 AM and concluding at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, 1st Falgun, 2080.