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Buddha Air inducts new ATR 72-600 aircraft to enhance safety and operational efficiency

nepalontheweb.com

Jul 26, 2026 2 min read

Kathmandu – Nepal’s private carrier Buddha Air has inducted a new ATR 72-600 aircraft into its fleet, aiming to improve flight safety, operational reliability and service efficiency, the airline said.

The aircraft, bearing the registration 9N-AOS, was ferried from Toulouse, France, and is expected to begin commercial operations next month after completing mandatory regulatory procedures.

According to the airline, the ATR 72-600 is equipped with an advanced avionics suite featuring a full-glass cockpit, modern navigation systems, digital flight management technology and enhanced safety features. The aircraft is also known for its low fuel consumption, making it more environmentally friendly than older-generation regional aircraft.

A key feature of the new aircraft is its Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP-AR) approach system, which enables more precise navigation and landings in reduced visibility.

Using the system, the aircraft can safely land at Kathmandu and Bhairahawa airports in visibility conditions of about 900 meters, significantly lower than the minimum visibility required under current Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is studying the implementation of RNP-AR flight procedures at Pokhara International Airport. Once adopted, the technology is expected to allow aircraft operations at the airport in visibility of around 2,000 meters, compared with the current ILS requirement of 3,100 meters.

Buddha Air said the advanced navigation system is expected to reduce flight delays and operational disruptions caused by poor weather while improving flight safety, service quality and schedule reliability.

The airline also plans to induct another ATR 72-600 aircraft by late August and is working to add two more aircraft of the same model in the coming months.

Buddha Air’s fleet currently consists of one ATR 42-320, 15 ATR 72-500 aircraft and the newly inducted ATR 72-600.