Rendering of an A321XLR in Drukair livery.
FARNBOROUGH—Drukair has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus for three A320neos and two A321XLRs in a move that underlines Bhutan’s ambitions to become better connected.
The fully state-owned airline of Bhutan currently operates a fleet of three A319s and A320s into Paro International Airport, which is heavily restricted because of the nearby high terrain, a short runway and wind conditions that close the airport for part of the day. The aircraft are used for regional services but typically have to make an outbound fuel stop at a lower-altitude airport. They can fly into Paro nonstop from regional destinations following a highly challenging manual approach.
Bhutan is developing Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in the southern plains, which is to be turned into an economic hub. GMC will also get its own airport, which will enable the airline to start longer-haul services using the A321XLRs. Airbus said that Drukair plans to “expand connectivity” from Gelephu to Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia.
The MOU is the first airline commitment for the A321XLR since it received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification on July 19.
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