GE AVIATION Services (GECAS), a subsidiary of General Electric, will lease state-run Myanma Airways two modern Embraer E-190 aircraft, making Myanmar the 76th country where GECAS leases aircraft.
U Than Htun, managing director of Myanma Airways, confirmed that the airline has placed an order for two Embraer E-190s that will arrive in November. They will replace the airline’s existing Fokker F-28s and enable Myanma Airways to begin offering regional services.
Myanma Airways, not to be confused with Myanmar Airways International, was formed in 1948 as Union of Burma Airways and operates only scheduled flights to 19 domestic destinations.
GECAS president and CEO, Norman C T Liu, said: “These two aircraft – modern, fuel-efficient (and) powered by GE engines – will help Myanma Airways expand its fleet and their operations.
“The seats of the E-190 aircraft are wider than an Airbus A-320 and the cargo area is (larger) too. Service charges for maintaining the aircraft are also cheaper,” he added.
U Than Htun said Myanma Airways would begin using the two new aircraft in the first week of December.
“We will use the aircraft to fly to Gaya in India, Chiang Mai in Thailand and domestic destinations, such as Heho, Mandalay and Nyaung Oo, this summer,” he said.
