Tashi Air’s first aircraft arrives

Tashi Air pvt Ltd received its  first aircraft, sporting the Tashi group of companies logo on its vertical tail fin, and a “Bhutan Airlines” title on its fuselage, early morning on December 4, 2011.

The airline’s CEO, David Young explained that while the company’s name would remain Tashi Air, the airline is being called Bhutan Airlines, so more people abroad would be able recognise it.

The arrival of its 8-seater, Swiss built single engine propeller aircraft mostly completes the airline’s preparations to commence domestic air services in Bhutan, which is currently still scheduled for a national day or December 17 launch.

Perhaps the only drawback to the aircraft could be the size of its cabin. At 4.75 ft high, some passengers will not be able to stand upright. At 5 feet wide, passengers used to wider cabins or bothered by small spaces may feel cramped, although aisle space to move along the 16.9 ft cabin length is ample enough, even with eight adults seated. While there are eight seats on this Pilatus PC12, this can be configured according to the number of passengers to create more space.

The aircraft also has a toilet, although this may only be used to store cabin baggage during domestic flights, as any flight duration will not exceed 30 minutes, said David Young.

Each passenger will be able to carry baggage weighing 15kg, and an additional five kilos as cabin baggage. The Pilatus PC12 will not be subject to weight penalties for domestic flights, said David Young.

The aircraft, equipped with weather radar, will also be able to keep tab of weather conditions around it. But David Young said that, as the aircraft would be able to fly up to 30,000 feet, it would be flying above valleys and any kind of weather conditions.

The airline’s CEO pointed out that travelling by air would not only save travellers “a lot of time”, but also spare them a “relatively risky journey” caused by increasing road traffic. He said that road journeys by government officials already “costs a lot”.

David Young said that the airline would not operate the flight, if there were no passengers. But he pointed out that, even if one passenger buys a ticket, the airline would operate the scheduled flight, even if it meant simply picking up the passenger from Batpalathang, Bumthang or Yonphula, Trashigang.

Bhutan Airlines’ PC12 will initially be operated by only two international pilots. After three to four months, a Bhutanese pilot would be trained under the two international pilots. He said a stewardess could be provided, if required by passengers for charter flights, and if there is a seat available.

Bhutan Airline’s could also be chartered for international flights, but most likely only to Bagdogra, India.