KATHMANDU: Drukair, the national airline of Bhutan, has signed a significant Purchase Agreement with Airbus for five new aircraft, including three A320neo and two A321XLR models. The deal was finalized yesterday in Paro, marking a major step forward in the airline’s efforts to modernize and expand its fleet.
The three A320neo aircraft will replace Drukair’s ageing A319 planes, ensuring greater efficiency and continuity in fleet operations. The existing A319s have been in service for 19 years and are set to reach 25 years by 2030. Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk emphasized the timeliness of this purchase, noting, “These new aircraft are vital as our current A319s approach the end of their service life by the end of this decade.”
Drukair had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus on July 22, 2024, to secure these new aircraft. The MoU was crucial for obtaining early delivery slots, as potential delays could have pushed deliveries to 2032 or later. The new fleet is expected to begin arriving in 2030, enhancing the airline’s route expansion plans.
The purchase of the A321XLR models is particularly important for the upcoming Gelephu Airport project. These long-range aircraft will provide connectivity to far-reaching destinations, including Europe, Japan, and Australia. “The additional fleet will support Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)’s growing transportation needs and Bhutan’s broader economic development by offering better international links,” CEO Wangchuk said.
However, Drukair has a contingency plan in place, allowing them to convert the A321XLR orders into A320neo slots should Gelephu Airport not be ready by the time of delivery. Both aircraft models are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring lower fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions, and noise reduction, aligning with the global aviation industry’s environmental goals.
Airbus, a leading European aerospace manufacturer, aims to make its aircraft 100 percent compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030. The A321XLR, with its impressive range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, offers a 30 percent reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to earlier models, making it an ideal choice for Drukair’s expanding international routes.
The signing ceremony in Paro was attended by notable figures, including Yab Dasho Dhondup Gyaltshen, Dasho Penjore, Governor of the Royal Monetary Authority and a member of Drukair’s Board of Directors, and Dr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.
Drukair currently operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft and is expecting a third Eurocopter A-130 helicopter to join its fleet soon. The airline’s strategic expansion, coupled with this latest Airbus purchase, positions Drukair as a growing player in the regional and international aviation sectors.