On Drukair ’s historic flight – Domestic Air Service
« Touch down at Yonphula
Domestic Air Service The aircraft banked left, and through the clouds hovering above Trashigang valley, a seemingly miniature model of Sherubtse college quickly passed by. The aircraft then banked right and suddenly the top of a hill appeared, and immediately after, the end of a runway. Two hillocks rapidly zipped by either side of the aircraft, and then the sound of rubber meeting asphalt.
Drukair flight KB 511 from Paro to Yonphula airport marked the launch and start of domestic air services to Yonphula, Trashigang, on the National Day. The flight time was 33 minutes.
Onboard were 20 passengers and six Drukair crew. Passengers included Parliament members and reporters.
Tshogpon Jigme Tshultim, perhaps, became the first to have used the air services for official work. He got off at Yonphula to attend the National Day celebrations in Trashigang as chief guest, and to follow up on work taking place at his constituency.
The National Assembly speaker said the trip to his constituency usually took about 17 hours. “Now it’ll just take an hour and a half,” he said, including the travel time between Thimphu and Paro in his estimation.
Despite the Yonphula cold, a crowd of about three hundred gathered around the Drukair aircraft parked on the hilltop airport. “I’ve heard it before, but this is the first time I’m seeing it,” said 65-year-old Hangchu. “I’m feeling quite happy,” said the farmer laughing, “I’m sure it’ll bring much benefit.”
Civil servant Tshering Norbu said that, while he is “stunned” at the airfares, air connectivity linking the east to west would be “useful during emergencies”. Despite the airfares, he said that this was a proud and privileged moment for Trashigang as it is a move towards equitable development in the country.
Kanglung farmer, Kinzang, said that she would prefer to fly now and would be willing to pay up to Nu 8,000 for a return ticket on the Yonphula-Paro route, about Nu 3,000 less than the USD 215 Drukair is currently charging.
School student, Pema Lhendup, said that, for now, he would still travel by bus when he has to travel west. Health worker, Jamtsho, said that Bhutanese with enough income, such as contractors, would probably use the air service for its speed and comfort.
After little more than an hour at Yonphula, flight KB 511 took off for Batpalathang airport in Bumthang. Within ten minutes, the aircraft was over the wide valleys of Ura, and after five minutes, on the runway of Batpalathang airport, officially establishing an air link between Bumthang and Trashigang.
Information and communications minister, Nandalal Rai, joined the flight from Batpalathang. He had arrived in Bumthang on Tashi Air pvt ltd’s Bhutan Airlines earlier in the morning to launch the country’s fibre optic network. The Bhutan Airlines flight was also part of the national day launch but was able to fly only to Bumthang.
Bad weather at Yonphula prevented it from flying there.
Drukair flight KB 511 was soon airborne again, providing a clear view of the country’s northern snow capped peaks from the comfort of a warm cabin, comfortable seats, and complimentary red wine. In 25 minutes, the aircraft was back at Paro airport.
Calling it a new chapter and era in Bhutanese aviation, Lyonpo Nandalal Rai congratulated both airlines in his closing speech. He said that while the government expects the highest of safety standards, it would also provide necessary support for the industry to sustain, grow, and achieve highest standards in every aspect.
Department of civil aviation director general, Phala Dorji, said that, while the services are formally launched, a number of facilities needed to be improved or upgraded at both domestic airports. He said that challenges remain and that his agency would place “utmost priority to safety, as safety is everyone’s prime concern.”
The effort to establish domestic air services took two years. After first floating the tender in January 2010, the government had initially planned to launch domestic air services in October that year itself, and then April this year.
Drukair will fly its first scheduled commercial flight on December 27, but could possibly fly one as early as the 22nd. Bhutan Airlines will either fly its first commercial flight today or on the 21st.
Source: kuenselonline