Tag Archives: Myanmar

Myanmar National Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 737-800, painted in a new livery

Myanmar National Airlines (formerly Myanma Airways) (Yangon) and Boeing (Chicago, Seattle and Charleston) yesterday (June 11) celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Next-Generation 737-800 leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing arm of GE. The celebration also marked the first all-new Boeing airplane to be delivered to any Myanmar-based airline.

The airplane is the first to feature Myanmar National Airlines’ new livery and interior, and the airline plans to expand its network outside Myanmar with the introduction of its 737.

“Our new 737 will allow us to expand our network to international markets and offer an even better experience for our passengers,” said Myanmar National Airlines CEO Than Tun. “Investing in new technology aircraft such as the 737 will ensure Myanmar National Airlines continues to be the pride of the country and positions us for future success.”

Myanmar National Airlines, previously Myanma Airways (below), has the most extensive route network within Myanmar, serving more than 25 domestic locations, and is headquartered in Yangon.

Copyright Photo above: Richard Vandervord/AirlinersGallery.com. Myanma Airways Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW XY-AGP (msn 19000154) taxies at Yangon.

Founded in 1948 as Union of Burma Airways (below), the flag carrier is also one of Asia’s pioneering airlines.

Copyright Photo above: Christian Volpati/AirlinersGallery.com. Union of Burma Airways Boeing 727-193 XY-ADR (msn 19620) is pictured at Hong Kong.

Top Photo: Boeing. The formal ceremonies of the handover of Myanmar National Airlines new Boeing 737-86N XY-ALB (msn 43405) at Seattle’s Boeing Field via GECAS.

The former CEO of Air Mandalay questions whether it can resume operations

Air Mandalay (Yangon) suspended operations on December 10, 2014 with the announcement it would resume operations in late January or “no later than February”. The airline is planning to resume operations with one ATR 72-212 (above) and two newly-acquired Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets. However according to this report by Myanmar Times, “former CEO Gary Villiard, who resigned on November 14, 2014 due to conflict with the airline’s shareholders, said he did not believe it would be possible for the airline to resume services at the end of January.” The former CEO questioned whether “Air Mandalay had the financing and corporate affairs skills needed to turn the airline around.”

The company had planned to add new Boeing 737s next year.

Air Mandalay launched scheduled operations on October 18, 1994.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Background information from the airline:

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 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.

According to the airline, “Air Mandalay’s logo depicts the mythological royal Hintha bird, which symbolizes loyalty, respect for traditional values, stability, good luck and prosperity.

The colors in our logo are also significant. Yellow represents the numerous golden pagodas found throughout Myanmar, which is often called the Golden Land. Burgundy signifies the color of the robes worn by Buddhist monks in Myanmar, thus representing religious values.”

Top Copyright Photo: Richard Vandervord/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Air Mandalay). ATR 72-212 XY-AIR (msn 467) departs from Yangon (formerly Rangon).

Air Mandalay aircraft slide show:

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

Route map before it suspended operations:

Myanma Airways orders six ATR 72-600s, will change its name to Myanmar National Airlines

Myanmar’s state-owned national airline Myanma Airways (Yangon), to be named Myanmar National Airlines in the near future, has signed an agreement with ATR for 6 new generation ATR 72-600s with options for 6 additional aircraft. The acquisition of these new ATRs forms part of the carrier’s ambitious strategy to expand its global footprint to establish Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) as a major carrier in the region.

In parallel with the new order, following the company’s dynamic development efforts, ATR will assist Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) to enhance its maintenance capabilities through the set-up of a modern MRO in Yangon meeting the highest international standards.

The new airplanes are scheduled for delivery in 2015 through to 2017. The new ATR 72-600s will completely and gradually replace the existing ATR fleet, boosting the airline services considerably by opening new routes, increasing flight frequencies to existing routes and offering the highest level of comfort to Myanma Airways (Myanmar National Airlines) customers.

Myanma Airways: