Drukair, the flag carrier of the Eastern Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, has signed a purchase agreement for one Airbus A320neo to support its growth plans and complement its existing fleet of three A319s.

The aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1A26E1 engines optimised for high-altitude operations and will become the largest aircraft operating out of Drukair’s base in Paro.

Paro, located at an altitude of 7,300 feet and surrounded by high mountains, is one of the world’s most challenging airports. Thanks to the A320neo’s unmatched performance, it will become the largest aircraft to operate from Paro offering greater payload capabilities and higher passenger comfort levels than any other product.

Featuring a two-class cabin layout, the aircraft will be deployed to increase capacity on existing regional routes to Singapore, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi and Calcutta.