October 16, 2024
THIMPHU – In celebration of the 13th Royal Wedding Anniversary of Their Majesties, Drukair signed a Purchase Agreement with Airbus for five new aircraft, including three A320neo and two A321XLR models, in Paro yesterday.
The three A320neo aircrafts will replace the two A319s ageing planes, ensuring the continuity and efficiency in their fleet operations.
Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk said that the purchase of these new aircrafts is timely as Drukair’s A319s, which have been in service for 19 years, will reach 25 years by 2030.
Drukair had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus on July 22 this year to secure these aircraft, aimed at expanding routes to new international destinations.
The CEO highlighted that the MoU was crucial for obtaining the earliest delivery slots, as delays could have pushed the timeline to 2032 or later.
The new fleet is expected to start arriving in 2030.
Airbus is a European aerospace and defence company that designs, manufactures, and delivers aircraft, space systems, and related services.
These new aircrafts will enhance connectivity to long-haul destinations, including Europe to the west, Japan to the east, and Australia to the south from Gelephu. “The additional fleet will also provide support for growing transportation needs in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), and economic development through better international links,” Tandi Wangchuk said.
The two A321XLR aircrafts are specifically designated for the upcoming Gelephu Airport, as they cannot land in Paro. “Should the airport not be ready by the scheduled delivery date, Drukair has the option to convert the A321XLR orders into A320neo slots,” the Drukair CEO said.
Both the A320neo and A321XLR models are engineered for lower fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions, and noise reduction, aligning with sustainability goals.
The CEO said that Airbus aims for its aircraft to be 100 percent compatible with sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.
The A321neo boasts of 50 percent noise reduction and more than 20 percent fuel saving and carbon dioxide reduction. It also maximises passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.
The A321XLR offers unprecedented range and fuel efficiency with an extra long range of up to 4,700nm (Nautical Mile) and 30 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, with reduced nitrogen oxide emissions and noise.
Currently, Drukair operates four Airbus A320 Family aircrafts, including three A319s and one A320, in addition to two Eurocopter A-130 helicopters, with a third helicopter set to join the fleet within a few weeks.
The signing ceremony was attended by 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.