By Jean-Michel Guhl
Toulouse, France, 3 August 2015 — The national flag carrier Myanmar National Airlines (previously known as Myanmar Airways), took delivery of its first ATR 72-600 today. The airline, which currently operates a fleet of three ATR 72-500s, two ATR 72-200s and one ATR 42-300, had booked an order for six ATR 72-600s in 2014, along with options for six additional aircraft, in a deal valued at US$ 296 million. With these new ATR-600s, the last of which is scheduled for delivery in 2017, the airline is upgrading its regional aircraft fleet with the most modern and technologically-advanced aircraft. The arrival of these new aircraft will provide the additional seat capacity and further enhanced service required to meet the booming demand for tourism and business travel across the country which is spread over a size equivalent to that of France and Benelux.
Myanmar National Airlines is currently consolidating an ambitious strategy to expand its global presence in the country. In addition to the introduction of the newest ATR-600s, the airline is also setting up a modern MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) center in Yangon (Rangoon), with support from ATR. Today, there are 30 ATRs in operation across the country, flying with eight different airlines, among which: Air Mandalay, Air KBZ, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines and Yangon Airways. ATR turboprops are highly popular in Burma where they provide reliable and cost-efficient services to travelers.
Than Tun, Managing Director of the airline, declared: “We are delighted to introduce the newest ATR-600 series aircraft into our fleet and to begin offering its world-class standards of comfort to our passengers. We are upgrading our fleet with an aircraft that is proving to be outstandingly successful, particularly in Asia, and which has shown itself to be the optimal choice both in terms of operational versatility and fuel efficiency. Upgrading to the newest ‘-600s’ came naturally after having successfully operated former ATR versions for years.”
Patrick de Castelbajac, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, stated: “We are honored to see the Myanmar national flag carrier’s confidence in us has been renewed and to be a part of their ambitious plan to expand their air and maintenance services. The ATR aircraft are the perfect solution to the needs of regional transportation across the country and within Southeast Asia. The number of ATRs flying in Myanmar has doubled in recent years, highlighting the aircraft’s suitability for the short-haul network and for main and small airfields.”
