Summary
- Drukair will expand international routes with five new Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
- The memorandum of understanding (MoU) covered an order for three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft.
- This was Airbus’ first order during the Farnborough International Airshow.
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, the flag carrier of Bhutan, which was owned by the state holding company Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI), has signed up for five Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including three A320neo and two A321XLR at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Expanding Bhutan’s connectivity
According to Airbus, Drukair has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft to expand its international network.
Under the preliminary agreement, the European plane maker would begin deliveries of the aircraft starting in 2030, with the airline operating the aircraft out of Paro International Airport (PBH) and the upcoming airport at Gelephu Special Administrative Region, known as Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Photo: Rawisyah Aditya | Shutterstock
This was the plane maker’s first order during the Farnborough International Airshow, with its rival, Boeing, already having finalized four orders during the day.
Drukair’s next chapter
Tandi Wangchuk, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Drukair, remarked that the airline was excited to embark on its next chapter, which coincided with the development of the GMC, working to expand the upcoming Gelephu airport.
“Our investment in these state-of-the-art aircraft underscores our dedication to supporting Bhutan’s vision of holistic and mindful development.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, the executive vice president of sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, added that the European plane maker was grateful to Drukai for reaffirming its trust in Airbus to help the airline write its next chapter of growth.
“Airbus has been a long-standing partner of Bhutan and we are extremely proud that our latest generation aircraft will be a part of the Kingdom’s next chapter of development, connecting the Gelephu Mindfulness City to the rest of the world.”
Ch-aviation data showed that Drukair has a small fleet of Airbus and ATR aircraft, split between three A319ceo, one A320neo, and one ATR 42-600. Airbus delivered the A320neo, registered as A5-JKW, in March 2020.
Related
Dominated by Boeing
Nevertheless, so far, Boeing has dominated the Farnborough International Airshow. The United States-based plane maker has signed orders with four airlines for a total of 78 aircraft, which includes firm orders and options.
On day one of the industry event, National Airlines, Korean Air, Luxair, and Japan Airlines ordered 737 MAX, 777F, 777X, and 787 aircraft, bolstering Boeing’s backlog with a significant number of orders.
Photo: Kevin Porter | Shutterstock
Prior to the event, Boeing had booked 156 orders as of June 30, which included American Airlines buying 85 737 MAX aircraft as part of an order where the airline ordered aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer.
In comparison, Airbus’ orders and deliveries filings revealed that as of June 30, the European company had 310 net orders (327 gross orders), spearheaded by the A321neo, which had amassed 181 net orders (183 gross).
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Japan Airlines Orders Up To 20 More Boeing 787 Dreamliners At Farnborough Airshow
This was Boeing’s fourth order of the day, with Japan Airlines ordering 20 787s from the manufacturer.
