Drukair signs Purchase Agreement for three Airbus A320neo and two A321XLR aircrafts

On 13 October, 2024 coinciding with the Royal Wedding Anniversary of their Majesties, Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier, signed a
Purchase Agreement (PA) with Airbus at Paro for 3 A320neo and 2 A321XLR aircraft to replace ageing aircraft as well as to expand its fleet which will help in expanding its international network. This is pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Drukair and Airbus on 3rd July, 2024.

As Bhutan launches its historic and the most ambitious and holistic economic Project, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)under the visionary leadership of His Majesty, DHI and Drukair aligns the growth of aviation and the airline to support the GMC. Therefore, Drukair plans to fly these aircraft not only out of Paro International Airport but also from and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City. Drukair plans to expand its connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia from Gelephu. The new aircraft are anticipated to be delivered starting in 2030.

Drukair today operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft: three A319s and one A320neo besides one ATR 42-600. Drukair also operates domestic Helicopter services with its fleet of two Airbus A-130 helicopters (Eurocopter) and the 3rd helicopter expected to be commissioned within a couple of weeks.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus' best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented extra Long Range of up to 4,700 nm (8700 Km). For passengers, the A321XLR's new Airspace cabin will provide the best travel experience, while offering seats in all classes with the same high-comfort as on a long-haul widebody, with the low costs of a single-aisle aircraft.