The government is concerned that national airline Drukair will compromise the quality of its international air services if awarded the domestic contract, Kuensel has learned. This concern is one reason for the delay in declaring a domestic operator.

With Drukair being the national flag carrier, the cabinet does not want to risk adversely affecting its international “image” or standards with additional responsibilities, a senior government official said. Because of this concern, and an impending deadline of October 1, the government is considering additional demands by the other company to have been identified, Route Network LLP.

“It should be evident that we’d have taken that into consideration,” said Drukair commercial manager, Tshering Penjore on the government’s “image” concern. He added that, if Drukair is awarded the domestic contract, international services would not be adversely affected. “It’ll be more of a synergy,” he said.

Tshering Penjore explained that Drukair operates under government regulations. He said that, because of these regulations, no compromise of standards could take place.

Asked whether Drukair could afford to take on the added responsibility, the commercial manager said, “No one is going to go into this business with no money, or to lose money.” He added that Drukair has been financially healthy for the past three years.

On whether Drukair would be able to begin domestic operations by the government deadline of October 1, if awarded the contract, Tshering Penjore said that it would be a difficult challenge. “It’ll be a challenge for anybody,” he added, referring to the other company.

But he said Drukair would have an advantage, since it already has the necessary infrastructure in place, except for an aircraft.

On whether Drukair felt the tendering process had been fair, with the government now considering Route Network’s LLP’s international air services demand, Tshering Penjore said, “We’re here to support any company that gets it.” He added that Drukair would welcome any competition in its international services.

A final cabinet decision is being awaited, before awarding the domestic air service contract. The company that is awarded the contract will have a little more than three months to begin operations. Source: Kuenselonline