ATR 42-320, 9N-AIN Aircraft Marks Milestone in Aviation of Nepal and ATR History

For the first time in the history of ATR aircraft and Nepal’s Aviation Industry, ATR 42-320, Manufacture Serial Number 403, and Nepali registration 9N-AIN aircraft retire after completion of the full economic life of 70,000 flight cycles. ATR 42-320, a 42 seater aircraft known for excellent short-haul flight performance on high altitudes, enabling it to fly even in the high terrains, and mountain regions of Nepal. Leveraging passengers to travel in diverse regions with on-board comfort and services. It was the first ATR aircraft welcomed to the Buddha Air fleet family in September 2008 and has been operating smoothly till date.

However, every journey comes to an end, likewise, 9N-AIN aircraft ends its journey of service by retiring after successfully completing its economic life of cycle which is rarely seen in the aviation industry.

A Journey of Service and Dedication of ATR 42-320, 9N-AIN Aircraft

9N-AIN inaugurated its first journey with Buddha Air on Kathmandu to Mount Everest route. Since its induction, 9N AIN [MSN 403] has served 1.8 million passengers. This aircraft has played an essential role in connecting our passengers to various destinations, from bustling cities to serene mountains with years of reliable service under its wings.

It has flown countless hours, completed thousands of flights, and carried innumerable passengers safely to their destinations, becoming a symbol of trust and dependability in the skies. From domestic routes to key international destinations, it helped solidify our reputation for safe, and efficient air travel.

Aircraft	Engine Model	Aircraft Reg. No.	MSN	MTOW	Date of Operation	Date of Decommission	Passengers Served	Flight Cycle Completed
ATR 42-320	PWC PW121	9N-AIN	403	16700 KG	17-September-2008	10-September-2024	1.8 millions	70,000

 

Completing Its Economic Life Cycle

As with all machinery, aircraft do not age but they have a lifespan determined by their manufacturer on the basis of the flight cycles, and flight hours. With the dedicated support of technical team and engineers, 9N-AIN aircraft was able to complete its economic life cycle keeping it intact for the smooth operation till date. For safe and smooth flight operation, every aircraft needs continuous maintenance and inspections after completing the flight cycle. Thus, with the help of trained professionals, 9N-AIN aircraft was well maintained till its last flight cycle.

A Legacy of Excellence 

9N-AIN was not just any aircraft; it was a workhorse in our fleet, embodying the very principles of convenience and safety. Its exceptional performance on Nepal’s challenging routes and terrains made it easy for us to provide accessible air travel across diverse regions. 

It was also one of the first ATR aircraft to be enrolled in the ATR fleet family, providing smooth, and comfortable flight, setting itself apart and earning a place in the airline's history. During the presence of ATR Aircraft, Buddha Air has managed to expand to 18 aircrafts and 15 destinations.

Also read about: ATR 42-320 Aircraft

Ceremony of Decommissioning ATR42-320, 9N-AIN Aircraft

 

As 9N-AIN made its final journey with mountain flight from TIA, Kathmandu to Mount Everest, we extend our deepest gratitude for the invaluable service it provided in our success. It leaves behind a legacy of service, safety, and efficiency that will always be remembered. Though this chapter closes, the impact and memories it created for our passengers will remain long after it has left the skies. Thank you, 9N-AIN, for your years of dedicated service. You will always be a part of our story.
 

Your Excellency Ambassador of France, Representative from ATR Company, TIA and friends from Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Respected CEOs of our Consortium Banks; Ashoke dai - Himalayan Bank, Mr. Sudesh Khaling - Everest Bank, Jyoti dai -  NIMB and Mr. Sunil KC - NMB Bank and Bank personnels, Journalists Friends and my dear Colleagues. Welcome to this historic Ceremony of decommissioning one of our ATR aircrafts. 

Buddha Air shifted to airliner operations from general aviation with the introduction of two ATR42-320s in September 2008 and rest is history, now we operate 18 ATRs, 7th largest ATR fleet in the world. 

Incidentally, Necon Air was the first to introduce two ATR42-320 in Nepal and they blamed this fleet for their bankruptcy, ATR Company had to cut those operative aircrafts and sell off the parts. Whereas, we profited initially from the same fleet and are in the current robust position. 

Today’s function is the milestone in the history of ATR aircrafts’ operation globally. We’re decommissioning the first ever ATR that has competed its full economic life of 70,000 cycles and that also through commercial passenger operation. A very historical moment indeed!!

Aircrafts done grow old with age but are decommissioned once they reach manufacturers’ prescribed Economic Life Cycle. We cannot fly the aircraft for even one cycle after that. 

We started operations of this aircraft; manufacture serial no. MSN403 and Nepali registration no. 9N-AIN in September 2008 and in the 16 years of its operations, flew 44,477 flights and catered to 1.8 million passengers. 

This proves our team’s global top centile performance in ATR aircraft maintenance and flight operations, which is a great morale booster in the current aviation safety overview of Nepal. We are at par to the best ATR operations in the world. 

Completing full economic life of an aircraft creates the required profitability and commercial sustainability of an airline, which is the success backbone of Buddha Air today. 

My hearty congratulations to all my colleagues, specially of Technical Department, Operations Department and everyone in Buddha Air for this achievement. We deserve this!!!

Let us continue to provide the best aviation services for Nepal and Nepalis in all the years to come. 

Thank you.

                                                 Birendra Bahadur Basnet,

Executive Chairperson, Buddha Air

Conclusion

ATR 42-320, 9N-AIN Aircraft has played a significant role in Buddha Air success and successful operation of flights to different destinations. It has managed to reach a milestone of completing a full economic life cycle and conclude the operations safely, embarking on the history of the ATR family and Aviation of Nepal. As 9N-AIN Aircraft decommissions operational service, we extend our honor for the years of service, dedication, and reliability that 9N-AIN aircraft brought to our airline, passengers, and team. 

ATR42-320, 9N-AIN Aircraft's Photo Archives

 

          ATR 9N-AIN Aircraft landing after Everest Mountain Flight                                                   Group Photo with ATR 9N-AIN Aircraft in 2008

   

 

               ATR 9N-AIN Aircraft on 17 September 2008 in TIA                                                                  Team Members for Everest Mountain Flight in 2008    

      

          Honouring ATR 42, 9N-AIN Aircraft with Water Salute in 2024                                                 Final Group photo with ATR 9N-AIN aircraft in 2024