Myanmar Airways International

Early years

The airline was founded in 1946.[2]

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) took off in August 1993, initially created as a joint venture between Myanma Airways and Singapore-based Highsonic Enterprises, with the support of Royal Brunei Airlines. It boasted a Singapore management team with (many ex-Singapore Airlines staff), new Boeing aircraft, all-expatriate cockpit crews, improved training for flight attendants and new UK Civil Aviation Authority operating standards. Eventually, the original joint venture was terminated and MAI became a wholly owned Myanmar company.

On December 5, 2000, Singapore-based Region Air signed a long-term joint venture agreement with Myanmar Airways International (MAI), acquiring a 49% stake. The agreement, which took effect on January 1, 2001, involved Region Air providing management, marketing, accounting, finance strategy, technical, and operations management.[3]

In 2001, a new corporate identity and aircraft livery were rolled out and the company completed its first major cabin-crew-upgrading program. In 2002, the airline obtained new International Air Transport Association (IATA) airline designator codes and joined both the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement (MITA) and IATA Clearing House. The airline sent 122 employees on training courses at Malaysia Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines training centers. In 2003, MAI launched a code-share agreement with Thai Airways International on the Bangkok-Yangon-Bangkok route. The company also has code-sharing with Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Jetstar Asia. In 2004, the airline took delivery of new uniforms for ground staff and recruited a further 16 new cabin-crew trainees.

In February 2007, the foreign management team under Region Air Myanmar (HK) Ltd. transferred its control to MAI.

Expansion and modernization

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) was founded in 1993 as an international airline operating in Myanmar. Since its inception, MAI has had the privilege of working with various stakeholders to make air travel accessible and promote the overall socio-economic growth of the country. MAI, along with its sister carrier Mingalar (formerly known as Air KBZ), embarked on a new era of business realignment and strategic expansion[4] following the takeover of both carriers by 24 Hour Group of Companies in 2019, led by Chairman U Aung Aung Zaw.

In 2019, MAI planned to double its fleet, resuming growth after several stagnant years focusing on enhancing its international reach, particularly in China and South Korea.

On March 8, 2024, Myanmar Airways International (MAI) held a ceremony at the Lotte Hotel in Yangon to unveil its 2024 strategic plans and rebrand its partner airline, Air KBZ, to Mingalar Aviation Services. MAI announced an expansion to 21 international flights, adding routes to Chiang Mai, Vientiane, Dhaka, and Doha. Additionally, MAI introduced a co-branded Tourism SIM with ATOM, offering affordable and high-quality phone services and data for passengers.[5]

MAI operates from its hubs in Yangon and Mandalay, serving 35 destinations across Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, Russia, Laos, and Qatar with a fleet of eight A319s, two A320s, two E190s, and one ATRs, in collaboration with its sister carrier, Mingalar.

MAI's international partners include Air France Industries, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and SriLankan Airlines. MAI is a member of the IATA Clearing House (ICH), IATA, and a partner of the MITA system. It is the first airline in Myanmar to receive the IATA Operational Safety Audit Program (IOSA) Operator title. MAI was named the "Most Admired ASEAN Enterprise" in Myanmar at the 2014 ASEAN Business Awards, hosted by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC). During the pandemic, MAI was recognized by significant governmental and industry organizations, including the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Citizens Protection Division for continuous operations between both nations, and was named the 2022 Airline of the Year at the 6th Incheon Airport Awards by Seoul-Incheon International Airport, one of Skytrax's top 10 airports.[6]

Sky Smile Privilege Program

In this frequent-flyer program, MAI offers three levels of membership – Jade, Ruby and Diamond. The validity of the program is divided into two parts, membership tiers and award mileage.

Ruby Tier members can redeem miles for award tickets as per the program's terms and conditions. Mileage accrual and redemption are based on miles provided in the mileage calculator.[7]

• Tier Points: Validity is two years based on an accumulated basis.
• Award Points: Validity is two years but on a rolling basis, based on actual accruals/redemptions.

Sky Smile Executive Lounge

MAI Sky Smile Executive Lounge at Yangon International Airport is offered exclusively for Diamond Card Members and business class passengers. The lounge offers refreshments, entertainment and business secretary services.

Codeshare agreements

Myanmar Airways International has codeshare and interline partner agreements with the following airlines:[23][24]

This may not be included, but Myanmar Airways International also operate flight to Tachileik with its ATR 72-600 plane.

• Aeroflot
• Air Cambodia
• Air France
• Air India
• Air Niugini
• All Nippon Airways
• APG Airlines
• Asiana Airlines
• Bamboo Airways
• Bangkok Airways
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• China Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• El Al
• Emirates
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Etihad Airlines
• EVA Air
• Gulf Air
• Hainan Airlines
• Himalaya Airlines
• Hong Kong Airlines
• Japan Airlines
• KLM
• Korean Air
• Kuwait Airways
• Lao Airlines
• Mahan Air
• Malaysia Airlines[25]
• Mingalar Aviation Services
• Oman Air
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Brunei Airlines
• Shenzhen Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines[26]
• Thai Airways International[27]
• Turkish Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines

Current fleet

As of April 2025, Myanmar Airways International operates the following aircraft:[28][29][30]

Former fleet

MAI had operated a variety of aircraft types, including:

• Airbus A319-100
• Airbus A320-200
• Airbus A321-100
• ATR 42-320
• ATR 72-500
• Boeing 737-300
• Boeing 737-400
• Boeing 737-800
• Boeing 757-200
• Fokker 100
• McDonnell Douglas MD-82