Kathmandu: Buddha Air has formally retired an ATR-72 aircraft with the call sign 9N-AJO after it completed its full operational life, marking a rare milestone in global aviation.
The aircraft, manufactured by ATR, is believed to be the first ATR-72 in the world to be withdrawn from service after reaching its maximum lifecycle limit due to age and usage.
An ATR-72 aircraft is designed for a maximum of 72,000 flight cycles, with each cycle representing one takeoff and one landing. The aircraft had been in commercial operation since July 2, 2010, and completed its final flight on 9 March 2026, flying from Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Over its 16 years of service, the aircraft carried a total of 2,482,772 passengers.
Executive Chairman Birendra Bahadur Basnet said the aircraft played a significant role in making air travel in Nepal more accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly. He noted that the aircraft contributed greatly to the airline’s market expansion and brand reputation, adding that operating the ATR aircraft to its full lifecycle represents a historic achievement for the airline.
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal General Manager Teknath Sitaula said the successful retirement of the aircraft was possible because of Buddha Air’s strong commitment to aviation safety and its high standards in maintenance and operational management.
Meanwhile, ATR Senior Vice President Stefano Marazzani expressed appreciation for the partnership with Buddha Air. He said the aircraft designed and built by ATR was able to operate safely until its final flight thanks to proper handling, the right operational environment, and strong technical systems, once again demonstrating Buddha Air’s high safety standards.
Earlier, Buddha Air had also retired an ATR 42 aircraft on September 10, 2024. The airline currently operates domestic flights across Nepal and also runs direct routes from Pokhara to Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, and Bharatpur. Internationally, the airline flies to the Indian cities of Varanasi and Kolkata.
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