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In a bold stride towards expanding its international reach, Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of Bhutan, has taken a monumental step by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus. The deal, involving the acquisition of three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft, marks a significant chapter in Bhutan’s aviation history, underscoring Drukair’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s growing economic aspirations and global connectivity.

This strategic move is poised to elevate Bhutan’s presence on the global aviation map, with the new aircraft expected to be delivered starting in 2030. Drukair, which already operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft, including three A319s and one A320, will utilize these state-of-the-art additions to enhance its operations out of Paro International Airport and the new Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Airport. The latter envisioned as Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub, is set to become a crucial node in the Kingdom’s expanding network, linking Bhutan more effectively with Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

The expansion is pivotal for Bhutan as the country accelerates its efforts to transform GMC into a beacon of mindful development and economic progress. GMC, located in the southern plains of Bhutan, is the brainchild of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who envisions it as a new economic engine for the nation. Drukair, as the national carrier, is set to play a critical role in this transformation by providing reliable and efficient transportation services that will be instrumental in driving the prosperity of both GMC and Bhutan.

“We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in Drukair’s history, which dovetails perfectly with the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and our efforts to expand the Gelephu airport,” remarked Tandi Wangchuk, CEO of Drukair. “Our investment in these state-of-the-art aircraft underscores our dedication to supporting Bhutan’s vision of holistic and mindful development. This fleet expansion not only enhances our capacity but also aligns with our long-term goal of making Bhutan a more connected and accessible destination.”

Introducing the A320neo and A321XLR aircraft to Drukair’s fleet is expected to revolutionize the airline’s operations. The A321neo, the most prominent member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo family, offers unparalleled range and performance. Equipped with new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo boasts a 50% noise reduction and over 20% fuel savings, making it an environmentally responsible choice while maximizing passenger comfort with its wide single-aisle cabin.

On the other hand, the A321XLR represents the next evolutionary step in Airbus’ single-aisle aircraft offerings. Designed to meet market demands for extended range and increased payload, the A321XLR delivers an unprecedented range of up to 4,700 nautical miles—15% more than its predecessor. This extended range opens up new opportunities for Drukair to offer long-haul flights at lower operational costs, making Bhutan more accessible to global travellers.

“We are grateful to Drukair for reaffirming their trust in Airbus to power their next phase of growth,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales at Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “Airbus has been a long-standing partner of Bhutan, and we are extremely proud that our latest generation aircraft will be part of the Kingdom’s next chapter of development, connecting the Gelephu Mindfulness City to the rest of the world.”

The new fleet is a milestone for Drukair and a testament to Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable aviation. The A320neo family, including the A321XLR, is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030. This aligns perfectly with Bhutan’s broader environmental goals, ensuring that the Kingdom’s aviation sector evolves responsibly alongside its ambitious economic plans.

As Drukair prepares to welcome these cutting-edge aircraft, the airline is poised to play an even more significant role in Bhutan’s journey towards becoming a global destination. With the expansion of its fleet, Drukair is not just adding more aircraft; it is adding new possibilities, new connections, and a new era of growth for the Kingdom of Bhutan.