Buddha Air retires ATR-72 aircraft 9N-AJO after 16 years of service

Kathmandu, March 12

Buddha Air has formally retired its ATR-72 aircraft bearing the call sign 9N-AJO after completing its full operational life.

The ATR-72 aircraft has a maximum operational limit of 72,000 flight cycles. A “cycle” refers to one takeoff and one landing. This particular ATR-72 had been in commercial operation since 2 July 2010. Its final flight was conducted on 9 March 2026 from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu. Over its 16 years of service, the aircraft carried 2,482,772 passengers.

On the occasion of the retirement, Buddha Air Executive Chairman Birendra Bahadur Basnet said the aircraft made a significant contribution to making air travel in Nepal more accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly. He added that it played a crucial role in expanding Buddha Air’s market presence and reputation, and that the airline has set a historic record by operating the ATR aircraft for its full service life.

Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Teknath Sitoula, said the successful retirement of the ATR aircraft was made possible due to Buddha Air’s commitment to aviation safety, along with its excellent maintenance and management practices.

Senior Vice President of ATR, Stefano Marazzani, expressed deep satisfaction with the partnership with Buddha Air. He said the aircraft designed and manufactured by ATR was able to serve safely until its final flight thanks to capable hands, a proper operational environment, and strong technical systems, reaffirming Buddha Air’s high commitment to safety.

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

Buddha Air currently operates domestic flights across Nepal, including direct flights from Pokhara to Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, and Bharatpur. Internationally, the airline operates flights to Baranasi and Kolkata in India.

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