Air Mandalay Limited (Yangon) and Boeing (Chicago and Seattle) have signed a memorandum of collaboration  in support of working together toward Air Mandalay’s fleet renewal efforts. H.E. U Nyan Htun Aung, Minister of Transport of Myanmar and the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Derek J. Mitchell witnessed the signing.

Boeing will assist Air Mandalay with its efforts to procure Next-Generation 737 airplanes through leasing channels in support of Air Mandalay’s expansion plan.

The two parties commented:

“This memorandum is an important step in our growth strategy,” said Dato’ Adam Htoon, principal of Air Mandalay. “Due to the growth of tourism and business investment in Myanmar, air transportation has become an increasingly important contributor to both the nation’s economic growth and its infrastructure development. The country is looking to position itself as a major tourism destination capable of handling an increasing number of foreign visitors. The 737s will provide us with capabilities to support this critical national growth strategy.”

“We look forward to supporting Air Mandalay on its fleet expansion strategy, setting the foundation for a long and successful partnership between Air Mandalay and Boeing,” said Skip Boyce, president, Boeing Southeast Asia. “The Next-Generation 737 aircraft will provide Air Mandalay with market-leading efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort, allowing the airline to continue to prosper and grow in the region.”

Air Mandalay Limited is a private joint venture company that was incorporated on October 6, 1994 to operate as Myanmar’s first privately owned airline and support the country’s tourism industry. The airline, based in Yangon, has since established itself as a carrier of high standards with a wide domestic network and one regional link to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It operates to all of Myanmar’s main tourist destinations and commercial hubs. The airline also offers air charter services to destinations both within the country and regionally.

Air Mandalay currently operates ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Richard Vandervord/AirlinersGallery.com. Air Mandalay ATR 72-212 XY-AIR (msn 467) arrives at the Yangon hub.

Air Mandalay aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-Asia-1/Airlines-Asia1-AE/Air-Mandalay

Video: Flying on the ATR 72. Air Mandalay’s ATR 72-212 XY-AIR is taped operating into Heho Airport and landing on runway 18 from Mandalay International Airport as flight 6T 402 bound for Yangon. Situated at the edge of the mountainous Shan state at an elevation of 3,888 feet, the airport is the gateway to the picturesque Inle Lake. Videoed from Seat 5D.

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