Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, has welcomed a new Pilatus PC-24 at Paro International Airport, Bhutan on November 27th, 2025.
This arrival enhances Drukair’s fleet and strengthens Bhutan’s aviation capability.
The airline currently operates 4 aircraft which include an Airbus A32neo with 20 business class seats and 120 economy class seats, an Airbus A319 with 16 business class seats and 102 economy class seats, an ATR 42-600 with 8 business class seats and 32 economy class seats as well as Airbus H130 with either 1 pilot and 6 passengers or 2 pilots and 5 passengers.
What is a Pilatus PC-24 Plane?
The Pilatus PC-24 is a 8 seater Swiss-manufactured light jet renowned for its versatility and its ability to operate on short and unpaved runways, making it especially suitable for Bhutan’s unique terrain. Its range is approximately 3,300km.
Pilatus PC-24 is expected to support a wide range of Bhutan’s national priorities, including niche corporate travel to Gelephu Mindfulness City as well as enhanced emergency response operations and mission-specific travel services.
When the aircraft landed in Bhutan, it was received with a traditional chipdrel ceremony, in which there is a ceremonial procession of men and horse.
The reception was attended by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay as well as senior representatives from the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Gelephu Mindfulness City, Druk Holding and Investments and Heads of Paro International Airport.
The PC-24 was registered as A5-JUW (msn 580) on November 28th. The aircraft departed Pilatus Aircraft’s production facility at Buochs on November 21 and arrived in Paro after six days with stops at Irakleoin, Luxor, Muscat and Ahmedabad.
On 10th May, Drukair had also signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for new Airbus A320neo lease with SMBC Aviation Capital in Bangkok, Thailand.
A New Beginning for Gelephu, Bhutan
The new Pilatus PC-24 took its inaugural flight on 8th December from Gelephu International Airport to Kolkata, India. This event also marked the first ever international flight from Gelephu International Airport. Drukair plans to operate twice-weekly commercial flights on Gelephu-Kolkata-Gelephu route from 12th December, 2025.
Have you travelled in Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines before? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments.
