Bhutan’s national airline Drukair has signed a firm order for an Airbus A319 aircraft.
The aircraft will be equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip to complement Drukair’s existing fleet of two A319s.
Bhutan is one of the world’s most challenging destinations for air travel as it is landlocked and surrounded by a wall of the world’s tallest mountains.
Drukair’s base at Paro airport is only possible using Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for approach.
This means that the crew can only fly by vision, which requires a high performance and responsive aircraft.
Dasho Sonam Tshering, Drukair chairman said: “We are delighted to be ordering the Airbus A319 equipped with fuel saving Sharklets. The addition of a third A319 will enable us to increase capacity and open up new direct routes and to welcome even more visitors to our landlocked country where aviation really is our gateway to the world. Its economic importance cannot be overestimated.”
The A319 with Sharklets will allow Drukair to expand services on existing routes and add new ones to international tourist crossroads like Singapore and Hong Kong.
John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, customers, said: “The A319’s unrivalled performance means it is the largest aircraft that operates from the most challenging airports where other comparable aircraft are unable to do so. The aircraft’s superior range and fuel efficiency with Sharklets will help Drukair to expand its market in the most greenest and most fuel efficient way.”
Sharklets have been specially designed for the Airbus A320 Family to reduce fuel burn by up to 3.5%.
This corresponds to an annual reduction of around 700 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft which is equivalent to the CO2 produced by around 200 cars annually.
The wingtip device also enhances the aircraft’s performance and range.
Drukair orders four A319s
