Drukair received its new airbus aircraft at Paro International Airport, yesterday. The Airbus A319 which flew in from Germany via New Delhi in India promises an upgrade, both in efficiency and flyer comfort.
The aircraft was purchased at a cost of over USD 43 M from the aircraft manufacturing company- Airbus. The plane has been registered as A5 JSW to commemorate the 60th Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The plane has several technical upgrades; most visibly the “sharklets” which provide improved aerodynamic efficiency of the wings and fuel saving advantage of upto 4%.
“Engine on this aircraft has better improved technology and along with the sharklets on the wings, it will give an enhanced performance, we will be able to carry 1800 kgs more out of paro, which is very critical,” said Drukair’s Chief Executive Officer, Tandin Jamso.
The passengers will also experience several improvements, most notably the in-flight entertainment system. The aircraft also has lighter and thinner seats, with the same comfort but more spacing, larger overhead baggage stores and charger ports inside the plane.
Tandin Jamso says Drukair now has more flexibility in terms of increasing flight frequencies or extending flight routes.
“We are looking at Yangon in Burma. So, hopefully, by end of this year or beginning 2016 we are looking at operating to Yangon.” He also said they are looking at increasing flight frequency to Singapore by October, this year.
Drukair’s new Airbus is expected to come into commercial operation in three or four days after the completion of some technical works.
