Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines selects CFM LEAP-1A engines to power 5 Airbus A320neo family aircraft
Published on 14th September 2026
PARIS – 14 September 2026 – Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, announced today its selection of CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines to power five Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The order consists of three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft, which the airline announced in 2024.
“We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with CFM through this purchase of LEAP-1A engines,” said Tandi Wangchuk, CEO of Drukair. “The LEAP-1A assets in terms of efficiency and reliability will support Drukair’s next phase of growth across Asia while helping us strengthen connectivity and deliver greater value to our passengers.”
Drukair has been a CFM customer since 2004, when it received its first Airbus A319ceo aircraft, which was powered by CFM56 engines. The airline currently operates one LEAP-powered A320neo aircraft, along with three CFM56-powered A319ceo aircraft.
“We are honored by Drukair’s renewed confidence in CFM products and support,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. “We remain committed to playing a major role in Drukair’s growth and to ensuring smooth ramp of LEAP-powered aircraft in its fleet, with the highest standards in customer support.”
With more than 10,000 engines delivered to date, CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp in commercial aviation history. CFM continues to upgrade the LEAP fleet with a high-pressure turbine (HPT) durability kit to extend time on wing and a reverse bleed system (RBS) . The company is focused on delivering high engine availability through exceptional MRO performance and competitive cost of ownership, with the benefits of aftermarket competition through its open MRO ecosystem.
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About Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines
Drukair Corporation Limited, the national flag carrier of Bhutan, was established in 1981. Operating from its hub at Paro International Airport, Drukair serves 10 international destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to its international routes, Drukair services 3 domestic destinations within Bhutan and offers helicopter services to enhance its range beyond fixed-wing operations.
About CFM International
A 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM International has redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation since its founding in 1974. Today, CFM is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized cost of ownership. CFM International produces the LEAP family of engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets for operators worldwide. www.cfmaeroengines.com