Bhutan's Drukair firms up order for Airbus A321XLR, A320neo aircraft

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, and both are set to boost connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia, according to a statement from the airline.

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, as stated by the airline.

"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)," Drukair's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tandi Wangchuk said.

"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," Wangchuk said.

"This partnership with Airbus will serve as a cornerstone in fostering Bhutan’s economic growth,” he added.

Airbus India and South Asia's President and Managing Director Rémi Maillard said, “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," Maillard added. "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."

Paro-headquartered Drukair operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations and three domestic locations.

The A320neo, is part of the world’s most efficient single aisle Family, delivering over 20 percent fuel burn and 50 percent 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 percent 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 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and this will increase to up to 100 percent capability SAF by 2030.

At the end of September 2024, the A321neo Family had sold over 6,700 aircraft to over 90 customers worldwide.