DILI, 31 October 2019 (TATOLI) – Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines has completed its first flight from Singapore to Timor-Leste.
The Airbus A319 touched down at Dili’s Nicolau Lobato International Airport this morning, and was greeted with a water salute on the tarmac.
Timor’s Minister of Transport and Communications, José Agostinho da Silva, said the government had successfully reactivated direct flights to Singapore, after the service ended in March.
“This is a policy of and effort by the Government of Timor-Leste to [improve] connectivity in our air transport sector. Because we want to diversification in the air transport sector, ” Minister Agostinho said.
Related news: Regulator Approves Air Bhutan for Dili-Singapore Leg
Royal Air Bhutan will operate the leg in partnership with Air Timor, about six months on from the collapse of its previous codeshare arrangement with Singapore’s Silk Air.
“We appreciate the effort of Air Timor for normalizing and reactivating the Singapore – Dili route. This is such a positive step,” Mr Agostinho said.
On board this morning’s departure from Singapore was Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk, accompanied by former President José Ramos-Horta. The passengers were met at the airport by the Presidents of Timor’s Civil Aviation and National Aviation Agencies, diplomats, as well as a number of local crew.
The Bhutanese flag carrier is contracted to operate the Singapore – Dili leg for and initial period of one year, running twice-weekly (Thursday and Sunday). Its Airbus planes carry a maximum 118 Business and Economy class passengers. Tickets start at $US 277 one way.
Drukair’s chief executive officer, Tandi Wangchuk, said that the airline had been exploring overnight charter opportunities for a long time.
“It gives immense pride that a small airline in the Himalayas is crossing the equator for the first time,” he said.
Originally published in Tetum as: Royal Bhutan Airlines Hahú Ona Sasemok Dahuluk Timór-Singapura
Journalist: Natalino Costa
Editors: Maria Auxiliadora; Robert Baird
Translation: Nelia Borges
