Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air) is Bhutan's first private airline, established in 2011 and commencing operations in 2013. It operates alongside national carrier Druk Air, providing competition and additional connectivity from Paro International Airport.
Overview
Bhutan Airlines Private Limited, operating as Bhutan Airlines and also known as Tashi Air, is Bhutan's first and only private airline.[1] The airline was founded in 2011 by the Tashi Group of Companies, one of Bhutan's largest private conglomerates, and began commercial operations in 2013.[2] Its establishment ended Druk Air's three-decade monopoly on air service to and from Bhutan.
Operations
Like Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines operates from Paro International Airport and faces the same operational challenges posed by the airport's mountain-valley location. The airline operates a small fleet of Airbus A319 aircraft.
Destinations
Bhutan Airlines serves routes[4] including:
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati (India)
- Kathmandu (Nepal)
The Tashi Group
Bhutan Airlines is part of the Tashi Group, founded by Dasho Ugen Dorji, which is one of Bhutan's most prominent business groups. The conglomerate has interests in hospitality, aviation, banking, media, and manufacturing.
Competition and Impact
The introduction of Bhutan Airlines brought competition to Bhutan's aviation market for the first time. This has provided travelers with more flight options and has contributed to the growth of Bhutan's tourism sector by increasing available seat capacity on popular routes.
References
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