Kathmandu [Nepal], July 25 – Nepal’s Buddha Air has expanded its fleet with the addition of a new ATR 72-600 aircraft equipped with advanced navigation technology that will allow operations in significantly lower visibility conditions, the airline said.
In a statement Buddha Air said the aircraft bearing the registration 9N-AOS was ferried from Toulouse, France and is expected to enter commercial service next month after completing all required regulatory procedures.
The ATR 72-600 features a full glass cockpit, modern navigation systems, a digital flight management system and enhanced safety technology. The aircraft is also designed to consume less fuel than older models making it more environmentally efficient.
A key feature of the newly acquired aircraft is its Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP-AR) approach capability. According to the airline, the system enables safe landings at Kathmandu and Bhairahawa airports in visibility of around 900 meters, substantially lower than the conditions required under current procedures.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is also studying the implementation of RNP-AR procedures at Pokhara International Airport. Once introduced the aircraft is expected to operate safely at the airport in visibility of around 2,000 meters.
Buddha Air said the technology is expected to reduce flight delays and disruptions caused by poor visibility while improving operational reliability and maintaining high safety standards.
Under the existing Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures aircraft require visibility of 3,100 meters at Pokhara and 1,600 meters at both Kathmandu and Bhairahawa.
The airline also plans to add another ATR 72-600 by the end of August and is working to induct two more aircraft of the same series in the coming months as part of its fleet expansion strategy.
