SINGAPORE, 20 August 2024: Drukair — Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to expand its international network with three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft.

The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery starting in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which is envisioned to become Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub. From here, Drukair will expand its connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Drukair already operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft consisting of three A319s and one A320.

Drukair is headquartered in Paro, Bhutan, and operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations, including five countries in the South Asian region. Drukair also operates in three domestic destinations.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new-generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction, more than 20% fuel savings, and CO₂ reduction compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft. It also maximises passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo, which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm — 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft. 

New flight to Dubai

Meanwhile, Drukair has confirmed that it will start a twice-weekly service from Paro to Dubai, effective 28 October 2024. Flight schedules will be confirmed shortly.

SINGAPORE, 19 August 2024: Air Astana took delivery of an Airbus A320neo last week, bringing the group’s fleet up to 56 aircraft. 

The Air Astana Group fleet now includes 50 Airbus family aircraft, with another two scheduled for delivery before the end of the year. The newly delivered Airbus A320neo is configured with 16 business class seats and 132 economy class seats.

“Air Astana Group is in the midst of an exciting new phase of development, with international and domestic passenger traffic growing significantly,” said the airline’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster. “The Airbus A320 family of aircraft has proven to be an outstanding success in service with both Air Astana and FlyArystan, with the fleet destined to continue rapidly expanding over the next few years.”

The group’s fleet size is expanding ahead of schedule, growing from 49 aircraft at the end of 2023 to 56 aircraft. This proactive capacity addition with Airbus aircraft aims to mitigate Pratt & Whitney engine issues and optimise the group’s network and growth strategy. By the end of 2028, the group’s fleet will reach 80 aircraft, predominantly comprising Airbus family types.

In line with Air Astana Group’s strategic goals of reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency, the new Airbus aircraft joining the fleet feature advanced technologies that reduce emissions, lower noise levels, and minimise fuel burn while delivering increased range. These aircraft will play a crucial role in supporting the group’s commitment to sustainability, providing a greener, more efficient fleet for the future.