KATHMANDU - Continuing to strengthen its network in the Middle East region, Himalaya Airlines, the Nepal-China joint venture, launched its direct air service between Kathmandu and Dubai on Friday.

Dubai is the second destination for Nepal's fast growing carrier in the Gulf countries after starting its first-ever scheduled flight operations flying directly to Doha, Qatar on May 31, 2016.

Currently, the airline is also operating its direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Yangon, Myanmar on a regular basis from Kathmandu.

The Himalaya Airlines said in a press statement that the inaugural flight departed from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu at 10:40 am local time and touched down at Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport at 13:25 pm local time on Friday.

After acquiring the third aircraft in its fleet on March 31 in less than a year of commercial operations of flight, the airline company added its flight to the new destination - Dubai.

"The launch of direct flights to Dubai is an important development for the Himalaya Airlines. We anticipate high demand for the route, providing a further boost to inbound/outbound tourist traffic from the Middle East region," said Vijay Shrestha, vice president at the airline.

"Operating a non-stop service between Kathmandu and Dubai has been in our vision for some time and we are delighted to have it achieved, strengthening our operation network in United Arab Emirates."

With the launch of three flights per week, the airline will operate one of its three Airbus 320-214 on the route, offering eight business class and 150 economy class seats for travelers on a regular basis.