Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Ltd.), Bhutan’s first private airline, has announced plans to initiate flight operations between Paro International Airport and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates starting January 2024. This announcement was made public at the airline’s 10th-anniversary celebration held at Pemako Hotel in Thimphu. The grand event, graced by dignitaries, international agents, and well-wishers, marked a significant milestone for Bhutan Airlines.
This marks the inauguration of the first direct airline connection between the Gulf region and Bhutan post-pandemic. Bhutan Airlines has applied to operate a bi-weekly service from Paro to Sharjah, with a stopover in Dhaka. This proposed route aims to ease the journey to Bhutan for travelers in the west, especially those residing or transiting through the GCC region, significantly cutting down their overall travel time.
During the event, Bhutan Airlines also launched a new partnership with World Ticket (W2), a GDS sub-hosting service, offering a virtual code-share arrangement that provides a global distribution and ticketing solution. This partnership, which is effective immediately, will make Bhutan Airlines flights accessible and available for sale through a wide range of GDS channels and OTAs, including access to 180 BSP markets through W2.
Furthermore, Bhutan Airlines’ CEO, Pema Nadik, disclosed the signing of a bilateral interline ticketing agreement with Thai Airways in June 2023. Notably, the reservation systems of both airlines have been seamlessly integrated for bilateral Interline E-Ticket (IET), allowing Thai Airways and Bhutan Airlines to issue tickets for each other’s routes. The next step involves launching Inter Airline Through Check-in (IATCI) with Thai Airways, simplifying travel for passengers connecting to and from Bhutan.
The event also witnessed the official carrier partnership announcement with the Bhutan Olympic Committee, solidifying Bhutan Airlines’ commitment to supporting and promoting the spirit of sports for Bhutanese athletes participating in international events.
Bhutan Airlines commenced its journey in 2013 with domestic operations utilising an 8-seater Pilatus aircraft. Within a short span of time, it expanded its services to international destinations, introducing the state-of-the-art Airbus 320 family of aircraft. During the boom years of Bhutan’s tourism from 2017 to 2019, Bhutan Airlines proudly transported nearly 400,000 passengers, as stated by the CEO.
Highlighting Bhutan Airlines’ in pioneering charter operations, the CEO proudly shared the airline’s contribution in introducing charter flights to the unexplored Vietnam market, bolstering visitor numbers.
Acknowledging the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, the CEO emphasised Bhutan Airlines’ role as a vital lifeline. The airline operated repatriation flights for stranded citizens and transported essential medical supplies and goods in alongside the national carrier, Drukair.
The CEO also extended an apology for the unavoidable flight cancellations during the initial days of the scheduled operation’s restart post-COVID. In reassurance, the CEO declared, “I stand here today and give you my assurance that those days of uncertainty are over, and we will stand by our pledge to provide safe and reliable service henceforth,” – Pema Nadik, CEO, Bhutan Airlines.
For additional information and booking inquiries, please visit: http://www.bhutanairlines.bt or email at: info@bhutanairlines.bt
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