24 Jun, 2015
Myanmar National Airlines Gets First B-737 to expand Asian routes, effective August
YANGON, Myanmar – 15 June 2015 – (MNA media release) – Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) has unveiled the first in a series of Boeing Next-Generation 737s that will be joining its fleet. The new fleet will link MNA’s 26 domestic destinations with an expanded international network starting with the launch of its Yangon-Singapore route this August and growing to four more cities in the Asia Pacific region by early 2016.
This comes just six months after MNA made history as the first government operation to corporatize and follows through on its promise to become an airline that is the pride of Myanmar.
“Today we celebrate an incredible achievement in the history of our airline and our country by welcoming the first member of our brand new fleet,” said Captain Than Tun, Chief executive officer of MNA. “With these leading-edge aircraft we will create a premier airline that is the undisputed leader in the country, the rival of others in the region, and that shares the spirit of Myanmar with the world.”
According to MNA, the new aircraft will pay off for both the airline and the country not only through increased jobs but also through a boost in tourism and international business and investment.
“These new aircraft will give more people the opportunity to discover our exceptional country by providing seamless journeys to our 26 domestic destinations – the most of any airline in the country,” said Tun. “They will also attract business and investment to Myanmar’s growing economy as we welcome the world to Myanmar through a growing network of international destinations, starting with Singapore.”
The first arrival is one of six Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s and four 737-Max 8s that MNA has ordered in a multi-million dollar move to re-invigorate its brand and signal the re-emergence of Myanmar as a competitive member of the global aviation market.
Said Dr. Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, “New, fuel efficient airplanes such as the Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX will provide Myanmar National Airlines with the market-leading efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort, it needs to continue to prosper and grow in the region. We look forward to supporting their growth and prosperous future together.”
In addition to the aircraft, MNA will be rolling out its new brand across its whole fleet, launching new routes and enhanced services.
Starting in late 2014, the airline installed a state-of-the-art computerized management system for reservations and departure control processes as well as a new website providing electronic booking, payment, and seat selection. With this move alone, MNA leaped ahead of the competition to become the most efficient and advanced airline in the country.
Now MNA can also boast an improved customer experience over the entire journey from check-in to arrival. Not only have all in-flight, airport, and sales staff undergone comprehensive training in line with international standards, but once on the aircraft, customers can expect a clean, comfortable, and modern environment. All new MNA aircraft also provide entertainment systems as well as high-quality catering and beverage services with both international and local Myanmar options.
The airline also has undergone a makeover inspired by the distinctive art and colors of Myanmar. The entire fleet is now emblazoned with livery depicting elegant swirls of bronze and burgundy as well as MNA’s logo of a golden lotus flower, emanating a spirit of peace, calm and clean. MNA has also established a distinct, elegant presence at airport check-ins, boarding gates and lounge areas everywhere it flies.
Famed Myanmar designer Mo Hom re-designed the front line staff uniforms including cabin crew to present a contemporary look that evokes the culture of the country. “Inspiration for the uniforms came from Myanmar’s abundant and beautiful mineral resources such as ruby, jade, copper and gold,” said Mo Hom. “These vibrant colors are combined with Chin ethnic patterns and Burma Acheik-style embroidery to produce a one-of-a-kind design, providing international travelers a touch of Myanmar’s spirit of traditional craft.”
Myanmar National Airlines is a state owned national carrier founded in 1948 under the name “Union of Burma Airways”. Domestic flights initially flew to 19 airports with six De Havilland Dove aircrafts, and routes to Bangkok, Calcutta and Chittagong opened up in 1950. The airline was reformed under the Union of Burma Airways Act of 1952 according to an international flight schedule extension program. The flights were operated to Singapore, Kathmandu and later to Bangkok, Calcutta, Dhaka, Hong Kong and Jakarta until 1993. In 1989, the airline was renamed “Myanma Airways” and flew to 21 destinations. MNA flies to 26 destinations, more than any other Myanmar airline, re-launching its domestic service on December 15th, 2014.
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