Page 9 - FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2024 - DAY 3 | DAILY NEWS

generation aircraft will be a part of the
Kingdom’s next chapter of development,
connecting the Gelephu Mindfulness City
to the rest of the world.”

Drukair, headquartered in Paro, Bhutan,
operates scheduled flights to 10 interna-
tional destinations, including five coun-
tries in South Asia, and three domestic
destinations.

The A321neo, the largest member of Airbus’
A320neo Family, offers unparalleled range
and performance. Featuring new generation
engines and Sharklets, the A321neo delivers
a 50% noise reduction and over 20% fuel
Drukair Enhances Fleet with savings and CO₂ reduction compared to
previous generation single-aisle aircraft,
while maximising passenger comfort in the
Airbus A320neo and A321XLR widest single-aisle cabin.

The A321XLR, the next step from the
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, the na- A319s and one A320. A320neo, responds to market demands
tional carrier of Bhutan, has signed a for more range and payload. It offers an un-
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with “We are thrilled to embark on this new chap- precedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700
Airbus to acquire three A320neo and two ter in Drukair’s history, which dovetails per- nautical miles, 15% more than the A321LR,
A321XLR aircraft. This strategic move aims fectly with the development of the Gelephu with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared
to expand Drukair’s international network. Mindfulness City and work to expand the to previous generation aircraft, along with
Gelephu airport,” said Tandi Wangchuk, reduced NOx emissions and noise. The
The new aircraft are expected to be deliv- Drukair CEO. “Our investment in these state- A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin provides
ered starting in 2030. Drukair plans to op- of-the-art aircraft underscores our dedica- a high-comfort experience for all classes,
erate these aircraft from Paro International tion to supporting Bhutan’s vision of holistic similar to long-haul wide-body aircraft, but
Airport and the upcoming airport at Gelephu and mindful development.” with the cost efficiencies of a single-aisle
Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned as plane. To date, Airbus has secured more
Bhutan’s future economic hub. From these Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice than 500 orders for this model.
locations, the airline intends to enhance President Sales of Airbus Commercial
connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Aircraft, remarked: “We are grateful to As with all Airbus aircraft, the A320 family
Australia. Drukair for reaffirming their trust in Airbus is currently capable of operating with up
to power their next phase of growth. Airbus to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Currently, Drukair operates a fleet of four has been a long-standing partner of Bhutan Airbus aims to have its aircraft 100% SAF
Airbus A320 Family aircraft, including three and we are extremely proud that our latest capable by 2030.

Airborne Technologies,

Smith Myers Gain

Order from European

Law Enforcement Agency

Airborne Technologies and Smith Myers that is perfectly tailored to the customer´s will include the following advanced compo-
announced at the ongoing airshow, that needs.” nents: Flir Star SAFIRE EOIR, system, IMSAR
they had been awarded another integration Radar System, ECS Downlink, SHOTOVER
contract that will see the former equip a De The aircraft will feature two dual-screen Moving Map, AEM Mission Digital Audio
Haviland Twin Otter aircraft with a com- operator workstations, an observer station, System and a Radio Communication Suite
plete sensor suite and two state-of-the-art and an Airborne LINX Mission Management “This is not our first integration with our
Airborne LINX workstations, for a European Unit, ensuring unparalleled functionality and partners at Airborne Technologies. But
Law Enforcement Agency. Wolfgang efficiency. Deliveries commence in 2025. this will be the first for our newly released
Grumeth, CEO of Airborne Technologies, ARTEMIS+, marking another significant
said: We look forward to working again with In addition to the Smith Myers ARTEMIS+, milestone of success with our friends at
Smith Myers and delivering a modern and the comprehensive AIRBORNE LINX sur- Airborne Technologies,” said Andrew Munro,
leading-edge equipped surveillance aircraft, veillance suite integrated into the aircraft Managing Director, Smith Myers.

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