Myanmar National launches first China route

August 25th 2017

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Myanmar is expecting a massive increase in Mainland tourist arrivals over the next decade. For the time being, flights from the country to China are fairly limited. Read More » Air China flies thrice-weekly from Yangon to Beijing and China Southern Airlines offers a four times a week route to Guangzhou. There are no full-service flights between Shanghai and Yangon.

Myanmar flag carrier, state-owned Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) is looking to secure first mover advantages as it is preparing to begin its first route to the Mainland, a Yangon-Chengdu service, MNA CEO, U Than Tun, has told media, without specifying the exact launch date.

MNA has a fleet of 19 aircraft, including four B737-800s and eleven ATRs. It launched its first international route in 2015, a daily B737 flight to Singapore. The carrier has since expanded its network to include Hong Kong, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Gaya.

MNA’s main competitor is privately-owned Myanmar Airways International (MAI), also headquartered in the capital Yangon. Although its fleet is smaller (four A320 family aircraft), it operates a much larger international network, including regular flights to Guangzhou, Kunming, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur. MAI also has announced new routes to Hanoi, Jakarta and Manila. These will be launched later this year.