Aviation Aircraft Fuel Services at Bhutan Sole International Airport

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Aviation Aircraft Fuel Services at Bhutan Sole International Airport– Premium Solutions for a Global Aviation Hub

Paro International Airport (IATA: PBH, ICAO: VQPR), which is 2,235 meters (7,333 feet) above sea level and nestled in the Himalayan mountains, poses special difficulties for the delivery of aircraft fuel.

PBH, the sole international airport in Bhutan and one of the most difficult approach airports globally, needs specific fuel handling protocols to guarantee secure and effective operations.

The available gasoline kinds, approved suppliers, mountain-operations fuelling procedures, price structures, and regulatory requirements are all covered in this extensive guide to aviation fuel supply at Paro International Airport.

This resource offers crucial information for effective refueling operations at this exceptional airport, regardless of your role as a ground handling agent, private jet pilot, or commercial airline operator.

Aviation Aircraft Fuel Supply
Aviation Aircraft Fuel Supply

Fuel Services at Bhutan Sole International Airport

Aviation Fuel Supply Matters at Paro International International Airport

Available Aviation Fuel Types at PBH

1. Jet A-1 Fuel (Primary Turbine Engine Fuel)

  • Special High-Altitude Formulation: Enhanced cold weather properties
  • Key Specifications:
    • Freezing point: -50°C (enhanced for mountain operations)
    • Density: 0.800-0.820 kg/l at 15°C
    • Flash point: 45°C minimum
  • Additives: Contains advanced static dissipater and anti-icing compounds
  • Storage Capacity: 3.2 million liters across 4 storage tanks

2. Limited Avgas 100LL Availability

  • Usage: Primarily for royal flight and emergency medical helicopters
  • Ordering Requirements: Minimum 72-hour advance notice
  • Storage: Dedicated 50,000-liter tank with nitrogen blanketing system

Our services address these pain points, providing 24/7 fuel supply solutions tailored to your operational needs.

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Aviation Aircraft Fuel Supply at Paro International International Airport

Key Fuel Types We Supply

Service Features Ideal For
JET A-1 Supply High-purity, GCAA-certified Commercial airlines, cargo fleets
SAF Blending Up to 35% biofuel integration Eco-conscious operators
Hydrant Refueling 12,000+ liters per minute High-volume carriers like Etihad
Emergency Support Mobile fuel trucks on standby AOG recovery, diversions
SAF & Alternative Fuel Solutions

Our Aviation Fuel Services at PBH

  • JET A-1 Fuel: High-quality supply for commercial and private flights.
  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Partnering with ADNOC for biofuel blends.
  • Emergency Fuel Support: 24/7 availability for diversions or AOG situations.
      • Hydrant Dispensing Systems: Direct fueling via underground pipelines for speed and safety.
      • Smart Storage Facilities: Real-time quality monitoring and leak detection.
      • Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with ADNOC, Air BP, and global suppliers.

 

  • Dynamic Pricing: Competitive rates through bulk purchasing power.
  • Fuel Uplift Coordination: Precision scheduling to minimize delays.
  • Quality Assurance: DEF STAN 91-91 and ISO 8217 compliance.
      • SAF Integration: Supporting UAE’s goal to decarbonize aviation.
      • Carbon Offset Programs: Tailored solutions for eco-conscious operators.
      • Emission Reporting: Tools for ESG compliance and audits.

Why Choose Us

Benefits of Partnering with The Network Plan at AUH

Reliable fuel services here ensure operational continuity and reinforce Bhutan reputation as a global aviation leader.

24/7 Operations:

Round-the-clock support for all flight schedules.

Regulatory Compliance:

Adherence to GCAA, IATA, and ISO standards.

Rapid Turnarounds:

Refueling in under 30 minutes for most narrow-body aircraft.

Full Compliance:

Meeting GCAA, IATA, and international safety protocols.

Authorized Fuel Suppliers at Paro Airport

1. Bhutan Oil Corporation (BOC)

  • Exclusive Supplier: State-owned fuel provider
  • Services:
    • 24/7 refueling operations
    • Specialized high-altitude fuel testing
    • Emergency fuel reserves

2. Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines Fuel Division

  • Primary User: National flag carrier operations
  • Shared Resources: Available for other operators during emergencies

Unique High-Altitude Fueling Procedures

Special Pre-Flight Considerations

  1. Density Altitude Calculations: Mandatory for all fuel uplifts
  2. Temperature Compensation: Adjusted fuel volumes for -20°C to +25°C operations
  3. Minimum/Maximum Fuel Loads: Strictly enforced based on aircraft performance

Fuel Delivery Methods

  • Mobile Refuelers Only: No hydrant system available
    • Maximum 2 refuelers operating simultaneously
    • Average flow rate: 800 liters/minute
  • Cold Weather Procedures:
    • Pre-heated fuel trucks during winter
    • Special filter monitoring below 0°C

Fuel Ordering Protocol

Required Advance Notice

  • Commercial Flights: 24 hours minimum
  • Private/Charter: 48 hours minimum
  • Emergency Requests: Subject to availability and premium charges

Mandatory Documentation

  1. Flight Plan with Performance Calculations
  2. Aircraft Fuel System Certification
  3. Operator’s Fuel Release Authorization

Pricing Structure and Payment

Unique Cost Factors

  1. Mountain Premium: 15% surcharge for specialized fuel formulation
  2. Transportation Costs: Included in base price (fuel trucked from India)
  3. Currency: USD or BTN accepted

Payment Options

  • Prepaid Only: No credit facilities available
  • Accepted Methods:
    • Bank transfer (72-hour clearance)
    • Credit card (5% processing fee)
    • Cash (USD/BTN)

Safety and Regulatory Requirements

Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority Regulations

  • Special Certification: All fueling personnel require mountain operations training
  • Equipment Standards: Enhanced electrical bonding for dry mountain air
  • Environmental Protections: Triple-contained storage systems

Operational Restrictions

  • No Night Fueling: 0700-1800 local time only
  • Weather Limitations: No fueling during thunderstorms or high winds
  • Aircraft-Specific Rules: Some types require engine-off fueling

Future Developments

  • Planned Storage Expansion: 5 million liter capacity by 2026
  • Potential SAF Introduction: Biofuel feasibility study underway
  • Automation Upgrades: Digital fuel management system in development

 

Challenges and Solutions

Unique Operational Considerations

  1. Temperature Extremes: -10°C to +30°C annual range
    • Solution: Climate-controlled storage and delivery monitoring
  2. Limited Parking Space: Only 2 aircraft can fuel simultaneously
    • Recommendation: Precise scheduling essential
  3. Altitude Effects: Reduced aircraft performance
    • Requirement: Special load planning for fuel quantities

Best Practices for Operators

  1. Pre-Flight Planning:
    • Submit complete documentation early
    • Verify alternate airport fuel requirements
  2. On-Site Procedures:
    • Supervise all fueling operations
    • Conduct final fuel quality check
  3. Contingency Planning:
    • Maintain additional fuel for weather diversions
    • Understand emergency fuel release procedures

Optimize Your Fuel Strategy Today

From routine refueling to crisis management, The Network Plan ensures your aircraft never faces downtime due to fuel shortages or inefficiencies.

Contact us for a free fuel audit or to discuss custom supply agreements!