NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
After shunning the Boeing 737-700, carrier plans to proceed with two-aircraft order
Bhutan's Druk Air is preparing to open formal pricing negotiations with Airbus over the planned purchase of two A319s after selecting the aircraft over the Boeing 737-700.
Managing director Sangay Khandu says Bhutan's council of ministers has approved the airline's long-running fleet revamp studies, allowing it to proceed with an order for two A319s to replace its two BAe 146s. Initial pricing proposals have been made by Airbus but Khandu says more discussions need to be held.
"We selected the A319 because it has a better payload capacity out of Paro Airport. We are at a high altitude, and there are high temperatures during the summer months. The price was also cheaper."
Khandu says he hopes the aircraft can be delivered in the second half of next year, allowing Druk to launch new international services. He adds that an engine selection has been made "in principle", although more studies are needed before the CFM International CFM56 or International Aero Engines V2500 is formally selected.
Druk is one of the world's smallest national carriers with just two BAe 146s. It originally planned to modernise its fleet with a pair of BAE Systems RJX regional jets but these plans were quashed when the manufacturer cancelled the programme in 2001.
The airline also considered the Embraer 190, but Khandu says it was eliminated as it is still in development and Druk required demonstration flights as part of the competition. He adds that Bombardier ruled out its CRJ900, saying it was unsuitable for operations from Paro.
Source: Flight International
