Buddha Air bids farewell to ATR-72 after 16 years

Kathmandu – Buddha Air has officially retired its ATR-72 aircraft (call sign 9N-AJO) after completing its full operational lifecycle, marking what the airline describes as a world-first milestone for the ATR-72 series.

The ATR-72 aircraft has a maximum operational limit of 72,000 flight cycles, where a cycle refers to one takeoff and one landing. After reaching its full operational capacity, the aircraft was formally bid farewell by the airline.

The aircraft had been in commercial operation since 2 July 2010. Its final flight was operated on March 9, 2026, from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu. During its 16 years of service, the aircraft safely carried 2,482,772 passengers, contributing significantly to Nepal’s domestic aviation network.

Speaking during the farewell ceremony, Buddha Air Executive Chairman Birendra Bahadur Basnet said the aircraft played a crucial role in making air travel in Nepal more accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly. He noted that the aircraft significantly contributed to the airline’s market expansion and reputation.

Basnet also stated that Buddha Air has set a historic benchmark by operating the ATR aircraft for its full service life, highlighting the airline’s commitment to safety and maintenance standards.

Teknath Sitaula, General Manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), said the successful retirement of the aircraft reflects Buddha Air’s strong commitment to aviation safety, proper maintenance, and efficient management.

Similarly, Stefano Marazzani, senior vice president of ATR Company, expressed appreciation for the long partnership with Buddha Air. He stated that the aircraft was able to safely operate until its final flight due to capable technical teams, the right operational environment, and strong safety systems, once again demonstrating the airline’s high safety standards.

Earlier, Buddha Air had also retired its ATR-42 aircraft on September 10, 2024.

Currently, Buddha Air operates flights across Nepal and also runs direct services from Pokhara to Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, and Bharatpur. Internationally, the airline operates flights to Varanasi and Kolkata in India.