Buddha Air has bid farewell to its ATR 42-500 aircraft, which has been serving Nepal’s skies for the past 16 years. The aircraft, registered as 9N-AIN, completed 70,000 flight cycles before its retirement. A flight cycle consists of one takeoff and one landing.
The ATR 42-500 commenced its commercial operations on September 17, 2008, through mountain flights. After 16 years of dedicated service, its operational life in Nepalese airspace has concluded.
The final flight of the ATR 42-500 was also a mountain flight, showcasing its enduring role in providing scenic flights over Nepal’s landscapes. The aircraft, which had previously completed 30,000 flight cycles before arriving in Nepal, conducted a total of 44,477 flights during its service here, carrying approximately 1.8 million passengers.
The farewell ceremony was attended by representatives from ATR and a select group of guests, highlighting the significance of the aircraft’s contribution to Nepal’s aviation sector.
