Flag carrier to expand overseas

“We hope to fly to Hong Kong and Taipei in November. Then we expand the service to cover Beijing and Shanghai next year,” said Than Tun, chief executive officer of the state-owned, commercially run carrier.
Based on advice by consultants, MNA chose the destinations because of the limited competition. There are currently only one or two direct flights from Yangon to the destinations, he says.
Formerly known as Myanmar Airways, MNA targets both leisure and business travellers who are looking for a new experience. At present, 87 per cent of the airlines’ passengers are foreign.
With nine aircraft, MNA now flies to 26 domestic destinations, the most extensive network among domestic airlines. To serve business expansion, the airline plans to expand the fleet with at least two new aircraft each year. It has placed orders for six Boeing 737-800s and four 737-Max 8s, in the move to re-invigorate its brand and signal the emergence of Myanmar as a competitive member of the global aviation market. On Monday, the first new aircraft was delivered and the second is expected in October. The delivery of the rest is scheduled over the next three years. It has also ordered six ATR 72-600s, with the first two to be delivered this year.
During 2010-2013, the airline flew about 230,000 passengers. Last year, the number exceeded 500,000.
“Our performance is improving year by year. For the time being, we are seeing a 26 per cent growth rate per annum thanks to the opening of Myanmar,” Than Tun said.
“The investment will pay off. It has already led to an increase in jobs for people across Myanmar in the in-flight, airport and sales-services positions we will continue to fill as we grow. The new aircraft will give more people the opportunity to discover our country. They will also attract business and investment to Myanmar’s growing economy.”
Aside from route and fleet expansion, MNA last year invested in the new computerised management system to support reservations and departure control process. The system is expected to improve revenue management capability and opportunities to provide all of its products and services. The newly opened MNA Travel Centre located in a 150-year-old building also offers customer assistance with bookings, ticket payments, refunds and other travel enquiries. Meanwhile, a new website was launched, to facilitate passengers with electronic booking, payment and seat selection.
“Our airline has undergone a makeover over the past six months. Inspired by the distinctive art and vibrant colours of Myanmar, our new designs will promote our country’s unique culture wherever we fly,” said Than Tun.
Famed Myanmar designer Mo Hom re-designed 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 colours are combined with Chin ethnic patterns and Myanmar Acheik-style embroidery to produce a one-of-a-kind design, providing international travellers with a touch of Myanmar’s spirit of traditional craft.”
Having the biggest domestic network, MNA is making efforts to meet international standards. In-flight, airport, and sales staff have undergone comprehensive training. Recently, all of its 57 engineers attended training in Singapore.
The airline says it meets the most rigorous international standards of safety, security and punctuality. It will carry out a safety audit in late 2015 to comply with the International Air Transport Association’s Operational Safety Audit or IOSA, Than Tun said.
“All our pilots have IOSA-accreditation and have had intensive training. Coming with the first Boeing aircraft are Boeing pilots who will stay in Myanmar for several months, to provide the one-on-one training,” he said.
He added that the airline’s leadership team, in conjunction with Avia Solutions, has identified a number of areas requiring new investment for greater competitiveness.
“All of these changes are underway … It is time for Myanmar to have a national airline that it can be proud of and will be a strong competitive force in the region. Our new brand reflects this and will be rolled out across our aircraft fleet and throughout the airline over the next year.”