Industry Bhutan’s Drukair orders an Airbus A320Neo

The aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1A26E1 engines optimised for high-altitude operations and will become the largest aircraft operating out of Drukair’s base in Paro.

Paro, located at an altitude of 7,300 feet and surrounded by high mountains, is one of the world’s most challenging airports. Drukair connects the airport with several international destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi and Calcutta. The new aircraft, configured with 140 seats, 20 in business and 120 in economy class, will be used to increase capacity on routes with higher demand and is scheduled for delivery in 2019. Drukair will be the first aircraft operating scheduled flights from and to Paro with the A320.

Drukair currently operates a fleet of three smaller Airbus A319, each configured with a two-class layout with 16 business class and 102 economy class seats, and one ATR 42-500. The turboprop aircraft features 48 economy class seats.

Aviation media reports, the carrier has ordered an additional ATR 42-600 aircraft. The European aircraft manufacturer hasn’t confirmed the deal jet.

Beside Buddha Air and Bhutan Airlines, Drukair is the only carrier operating flights from Paro Airport.