I regularly update my ‘Books’ story highlight on Instagram with what I am reading. In the past, I’ve been part of Book Clubs via work and with friends. I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with people when we’ve found reads in common. To extend that, I am going to do my best to share my monthly reads on my blog. Happy Reading!
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The only thing I expected before opening By The Book was a peek into the world of Buddha Air. Well, let me tell you – it gave me that, and so much more!
The book is written by Birendra Bahadur Basnet, the Executive Chair of Buddha Air. The Basnet family launched the airline back in 1997, starting with the Beechcraft 1900D aircraft. Fast forward to today, and Buddha Air has become a household name. This book is very much about Buddha Air – its journey, its struggles, its wins – but also about the man behind it all.
From a business perspective, By The Book is a clever move. Each chapter almost feels like Basnet is sitting across from you, explaining how things work behind-the-scenes and quietly asking for your trust to fly Buddha Air. And honestly, by the time I finished the last page, I did feel reassured that Buddha Air is the airline of choice.
What surprised me is how open he is. Basnet doesn’t shy away from painful moments – he goes into detail about the tragic Buddha Air Flight 103 crash in 2011, which claimed 19 lives, and even the family rift between him and his brother after the passing of their father. For aviation geeks like me, there’s also plenty of throwback drama: price wars with Cosmic Air and other airlines that used to dominate the Nepali skies back in the day!
But the book isn’t just stories. Every now and then, Basnet shares little formulas and tips that have shaped his business: discipline, prioritizing safety, and putting the business first. It’s not presented like a typical “business manual,†but if you’re looking for lessons, they’re definitely there.
What I really liked is that this isn’t just about Buddha Air – it’s also a reflective look at Basnet’s life. From his time as a farmer, to the unwavering support of his life partner, to how he’s now thinking about the airline’s future in an AI-driven world – it feels personal. He even talks about embracing Gen-Z talent and going digital, which makes him come across as a leader who isn’t stuck in the past but looking ahead.
And just when you think the story’s wrapping up, he drops something exciting: his plan to launch Koshi Air. This new airline will be based out of Bhadrapur and Biratnagar, connecting hubs within Province 1. If my math is right, there are about ten airports in that province – so, watch this space!
By The Book is more than just a book about an airline. It’s part history, part business guide, part personal memoir – and for anyone interested in aviation, business, or just Nepal’s modern stories, it’s worth a read.
