The operation of air taxi through single engine aircraft is to begin in Nepal for the first time with the objective of ensuring ample flight services in remote areas at lower price, the National News Agency RSS reported on Jan. 24.

According to the RSS, the air taxi service was brought to operation in the context that charter flights could only be operated through single engine aircraft and was difficult to run scheduled flight services, and the government allowed the market to determine charter flight fares on competition, according to Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

The press release issued on Jan. 23 by the ministry said the step was taken on the special effort of the ministry. The service is expected to render relief to rural people to transport food grains and other needy materials in a cheaper price.