KATHMANDU: Buddha Air has brought in a new ATR 72-600 aircraft, according to a press release issued by the airline.

Following the completion of mandatory regulatory procedures, the aircraft is scheduled to begin commercial operations next month.

The aircraft, bearing callsign 9N-AOS, was ferried from Toulouse, France. The newly acquired ATR 72-600 features an advanced avionics suite equipped with a full-glass cockpit, modern navigation systems, digital flight management, and enhanced safety features.

Known for its low fuel consumption, this aircraft series is considered environmentally friendly.

Additionally, Buddha Air’s new ATR 72-600 comes equipped with an RNP-AR (Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required) approach system.

With the help of this technology, the aircraft can perform safe landings at Kathmandu and Bhairahawa airports in visibility conditions as low as approximately 900 meters.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is also studying the implementation of RNP-AR-based flight procedures for Pokhara International Airport. Once implemented, this system will enable the aircraft to operate safely at Pokhara with a reduced visibility threshold of around 2,000 meters.

Buddha Air expects that this advanced technology will significantly reduce flight delays and operational disruptions caused by poor visibility, while enhancing overall flight safety, service quality, and reliability.

Under the current Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures, minimum required landing visibilities stand at 3,100 meters for Pokhara, and 1,600 meters for both Kathmandu and Bhairahawa.

Buddha Air also announced plans to add another ATR 72-600 aircraft by late August, with work underway to induct two additional aircraft of the same series in the coming months.

Buddha Air’s current fleet comprises one ATR 42-320, fifteen ATR 72-500s, and one ATR 72-600 aircraft.