Drukair firms up order for Airbus A321XLR, A320neo aircraft
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, has firmed up an order with Airbus for three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft to expand its international network. The agreement was sealed in Paro by Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair, and Paul Meijers, Executive Vice-President Contracts of Airbus, in presence of Yab Dasho Dhondup Gyaltshen, the Governor of the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, Dasho Penjore, the Bhutan Foreign Secretary and Chairperson of Drukair Board, Pema Choden, and Rémi Maillard, President of Airbus India and South Asia.
Deliveries starting from 2030 will support Drukair’s strategic expansion plans from its hubs at Paro International Airport and the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Airport. Both are set to boost connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Drukair currently operates three A319s and one A320neo. The new A320neo and A321XLR models will bolster efficiency, fleet network and capacity to meet the growing demand for international travel to and from Bhutan.
The order is pivotal in Bhutan’s vision of fostering economic development and His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision to transform the Gelephu Mindfulness City, located in southern Bhutan, into a key economic hub.
“We are thrilled to formalise this purchase agreement with Airbus, marking a pivotal moment in Drukair’s journey to expand our international network. The addition of the A320neo and A321XLR aircraft not only enhances our fleet but also aligns with the visionary project of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). These state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to connect Bhutan with Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. This partnership with Airbus will serve as a cornerstone in fostering Bhutan’s economic growth and furthering His Majesty’s vision for GMC as a key economic hub,” said Tandi Wangchuk, Chief Executive Officer of Drukair.
“Bhutan is entering a new era with the Gelephu Mindfulness City and Airbus is proud to be a partner in this transformative initiative. The latest aircraft order is a reaffirmation of the Drukair leadership’s astute vision of a future for Bhutan that is aligned to its unique approach to economic development and environmental well-being. The A320neo and A321XLR will prove to be a bridge to connect Bhutan to the wider world, leveraging their unrivaled range, passenger comfort and economic efficiency”, said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia.
Drukair, headquartered in Paro, Bhutan, operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations and three domestic locations. The airline continues to be a key player in connecting Bhutan with the world, fostering tourism, and facilitating economic growth.
The A320neo, is part of the world’s most efficient single aisle Family, delivering over 20% fuel burn and 50% noise reductions compared to previous generation aircraft. The largest member of the Family, the A321XLR offers an Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. It promises enhanced passenger comfort with its new Airspace cabin, combining the benefits of a long-haul wide-body comfort with the efficiency of a single-aisle aircraft. Airbus has already secured more than 500 orders for the A321XLR.
Airbus’ A320 Family can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and this will increase to up to 100% capability SAF by 2030. At the end of September 2024, the A321neo Family had sold over 6,700 aircraft to over 90 customers worldwide.
