Airlines continues fleet upgrade

Myanmar flag carrier Myanmar National Airlines has taken delivery of the first of six ATR 72-600s as part of a $296 million order for the regional turboprop aircraft.
The carrier, previously known as Myanma Airways, already has a fleet of six ATRs—three 72-500s, two 72-200s and one 42-300—which is used mainly for domestic services.
All six of the new ATRs will be delivered by the end of 2017. The carrier has recently taken delivery of the first of 10 Boeing 737-800s, which it plans to use on regional services, with a new Singapore route due to start in mid-August.
Myanmar managing director Than Tun said the ATRs would enhance the “operational versatility and efficiency” of the existing fleet, and would help tap into the country’s developing tourism market.
As part of its expansion, the carrier is looking to add up to six international routes by next year, using the Boeing aircraft. It is also promoting a premium offering, called Mingalabar Service, which provides priority check-in and boarding along with fast track immigration and security services.
Myanmar’s appeal as a potential destination and source for route expansion has seen other carriers—Vietjet Air, Bangkok Airways, Qatar and Korean Air—all open new routes to Yangon over the last year, leading to concern over a potential oversupply of seats and resulting in airport congestion and potential safety hazards.