EU deepens regional aviation cooperation through two new safety initiatives in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, June 23

The European Union (EU) has launched two regional aviation initiatives in Kathmandu aimed at strengthening aviation safety and regulatory cooperation in Nepal and South Asia.

The programmes, being conducted under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU–South Asia APP), will bring together aviation authorities, airlines, industry representatives and technical experts from across the region to exchange experiences and discuss practical measures to enhance aviation safety.

The first initiative, the third module of the Regional Aviation Safety Programme (RASP), began on Monday and will run until June 25. Hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and organised jointly with aircraft manufacturer ATR, the programme focuses on crew training and operational standards.

The module addresses key aspects of flight operations, including decision-making, operational resilience and fatigue management. Airlines from across South Asia are also participating, sharing operational experiences, case studies and lessons learned with regulators and industry experts.

Speaking at the opening session, Thomas Millar, Chargé d’affaires at the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, said aviation safety remains a priority for Nepal.

“We have taken note of the recent remarks by the Finance Minister in his budget speech aimed at addressing the concerns of the European Commission. We also appreciate the recent submission of the full package concerning the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan,” Millar said.

He added that officials from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) would review the submission in the coming months.

“The European Union and its Member States are keen to continue working side by side with the Government of Nepal to help achieve the level of safety that Nepali citizens and travellers deserve,” he said, noting that the EU and its member states have been providing technical assistance and working closely with stakeholders to support aviation-sector reforms.

A second regional event, the Regulatory Updates in Continuing Airworthiness Workshop under the South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI), will take place in Kathmandu from June 29 to July 2.

The workshop will focus on recent developments in regulations of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and modern oversight practices, helping aviation authorities and industry stakeholders adapt to evolving international requirements.

According to the EU, the two events reflect the transition of the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project from individual technical exchanges to a more structured and long-term framework for regional cooperation.

The initiatives also highlight Nepal’s growing role as a platform for aviation dialogue in South Asia and demonstrate the EU’s commitment to supporting aviation stakeholders through practical, demand-driven partnerships.

The EU stated that stronger aviation safety systems are essential for improving connectivity, promoting tourism and supporting economic development across the region.

The EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project is part of the broader EU–Asia Aviation Partnership Project, a technical cooperation programme funded by the European Union and implemented by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The project supports civil aviation authorities and industry stakeholders across South Asia through regulatory dialogue, technical exchanges and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving aviation safety and oversight in line with international standards.

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