Bhutan Drukair Druk Air : Helicopter service Oct 2005 Bhutan Information Bhutan Videos

October 19, 2005

Druk Air starts chartered helicopter service

When a euro copter, a five-seater white helicopter, took off from the Paro airfield on October 17 it heralded the sudden reemergence of the domestic helicopter service; a service which a few private Bhutanese companies had shown much interest in starting several years ago but failed to negotiate a start off with the government.

Now Drukair Corporation has started the service leasing a helicopter from Air Dynasty, a chopper service provider in Nepal. According to Drukair officials the arrangement is on a "wet lease" where Air Dynasty will bear the maintenance, provide crew and Drukair will pay for the time.

The helicopter will function on a non-schedule operation meaning it will operate only as and when demanded.

The Civil Aviation director, Phala Dorji, said that the service was started as an interim measure and will cease by April next year. "This is the start of the domestic helicopter service and we have invited proposals from national joint ventures to introduce the service," he said. "If within the interim period private companies apply and qualify, Drukair will have to cease their operations."

The director said that Drukair was approved to operate since it had important services like ground facilities. The service was also approved based on the demand for helicopter services in the country.

Under the 'wet lease' arrangement, Drukair will look over the safety oversight responsibility. "We will ensure that the helicopter service is operated according to required standards," said Drukair's airworthiness officer, Tenzin Yonten. "Air operations certificates will be provided to both eligible full national ownership or joint venture ownerships. Drukair's operation is just an interim measure to try out the market."

Proposals for a domestic helicopter service started in 2001 to enhance mobility within the country and to promote tourism besides providing an alternative for faster travel, search and rescue operations, fire and medical evacuation. But technical glitches and procedural hassles clipped the wings of the two interested private companies who had tied up with helicopter service providers outside the country.

One of the conditions of the government then was that private operators would have to buy brand new helicopters.

Meanwhile, eager chopper riders will have to pay US$ 1,500 or about Nu. 65,000 for a one-hour flying time.