Druk Air bids farewell to its old birds
>> No more flying over Bhutan
Nov 20, 2007 -Thimphu: The two aircrafts that faithfully flew in and out of Paro for almost two decades are no more part of the Druk Air fleet.
An America-based Air Company in Panama bought the A5-RGD and A5-RGE which were on ground since July.
The aircrafts manufactured by the BAE systems in the United Kingdom in 1988 and 1991 was sold as a package inclusive of the two aircrafts, associated spares, tools and equipment for US $ 3.75 million.
“It is the end of an era,” said a Druk Air spokesperson.
Druk Air Corporation purchased the A5-RGD and A5-RGE aircrafts in 1988 and 1992 for Nu 348 million and Nu 576 million respectively.
The general manager of Druk Air Engineering, Thrimchong Wangdi, said the aircrafts had been in commercial service since the introduction of jet transportation in Bhutan back in 1988. “However, with the arrival of A319 in 2004, the two old aircrafts were not flying except for back-up services on some occasions like busy tourist schedule.”
With the last commercial flight this year on June 13 and July 29 respectively for RGD and RGE, the aircrafts were on ground except for the few ‘systems check’ flights over Bhutan.
The two old birds had been on the market for almost three years and it was only around the beginning of this year that some serious buyers showed up, according to Druk Air.
“We were contracted by about half a dozen companies and we signed few agreements but the deals never materialized mainly because of the buyer’s failure to make the purchase price payment within the deadline,” said Thrimchong Wangdi. “The initial buyer’s request for the third extension was rejected and Druk Air went with the present buyer.”
The buyer’s aircraft inspector is in Paro inspecting the aircraft and for related maintenance since November 8. Both aircrafts passed the test flights conducted last week.
Druk Air RGD and RGE, in full economy configuration, can carry 79 passengers.
Source: Bhutan Times