Myanmar’s MAI pays attention to expansion of code-sharing agreements with AI

What made the airline choose Chennai as the fourth destination in India?

Myanmar International Airlines has decided to launch flights between Yangon and Chennai. This is because we believe there are various positive indicators for the development of point-to-point flights between the two markets. It therefore becomes the fourth destination in India after Delhi, Kolkata and Gaya. First, we believe there is a sizeable Visiting Family and Friends (VFR) segment as there are an estimated 1 million Myanmar Tamils ​​who have returned to India with family and relatives. Second, as a year-round destination, Chennai in particular, and Tamil Nadu in general, is one of Myanmar’s leading religious sites, including several UNESCO heritage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural attractions such as beaches. It has a lot to offer travelers. It is the center of medical tourism where medical facilities are concentrated in the country. Also, Myanmar, with its unique culture, natural wonders and UNESCO heritage site of Bagan, is expected to attract more outbound tourists from Chennai and its catchment given its huge market size potential of over 70 million people. I believe it can be positioned as a destination. Socioeconomic factors. Also from our network point of view, Chennai, one of the top 5 airports in India, has an overall market share for untapped destinations in South India compared to more traditional North India flights. I believe it will serve as a case study for observing acceptance.

What does MAI offer travelers from Chennai? What about e-Visa facilities?

To celebrate the launch of the new route, MAI is offering a promotional all-in fare for just ₹19,500 one-way and ₹37,500 return.Besides that, we also offer 5 Kilograms [additional baggage allowance] The first month is free for all passengers on flights between Yangon and Chennai. Electronic visa facilities are available at https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/ with a tourist visa for $50 for 28 days and a business visa for $70 for 70 days.

The airline says the focus of the Chennai route is visiting friends and relatives (VFR), medical, pilgrimage and tourism. What are the data for each of these segments? What are the other segments? What are the packages for travelers to Myanmar?

We believe that visiting family and relatives (VFR) is the largest segment with a contribution of around 30%-40%, and the remaining target travel segments are fairly evenly distributed among them. At the same time, seeing the importance of Chennai in the business sector, we also aim to develop the corporate market between the two countries. Based on initial market research, travel packages in Myanmar generally range from Rs 30,000 for 3 days and 2 nights to Rs 90,000 for 10 days and 9 nights.

The airline has said it aims to develop Chennai as a transit hub for domestic transit passengers.Is there a specific market? What about freight possibilities?

We are looking to position Chennai as a transit hub for South India, with destinations such as Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Madurai. In terms of cargo, we have a small but stable volume, centered on shipments of pharmaceuticals and human hair.

Are there any agreements signed with Indian airlines? Air India is a codeshare partner, are there any plans to arrange South India?

Yes, Air India is currently a codeshare partner. We are actively working on system integration for seamless codeshare availability and experience. We plan to start codeshare flights as soon as possible. In fact, it is considering expanding its codeshare agreement with Air India in line with its plans to position Chennai as an alternative transit hub for India.

Can you elaborate on the position of the airline in terms of aviation infrastructure, engineering facilities and safety audits? What about the fleet?

Since its inception, it has worked fully with various stakeholders to ensure the availability of air travel and promote the country’s overall socio-economic growth. MAI’s fleet of 11 aircraft, namely four Airbus A320s, four Airbus A319s and three Embraer E190s, is operated by a highly trained crew of pilots and flight attendants. Passenger safety and comfort is an airline’s priority. Therefore, it strictly complies with the Myanmar Civil Aviation Requirements (MCAR) and the exceptional operational standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), for which MAI is the first and only IATA. Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certified international forwarder in Myanmar. As a result, we are recognized as one of the seven-star rated airlines by AirlineRatings.com, the world’s leading safety and product rating agency. MAI was named the ‘Most Admired ASEAN Company’ in Myanmar at the 2014 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Awards organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC). MAI has been recognized by important government agencies and industry associations. [COVID-19] This includes recognition from the Overseas Civil Protection Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea for continued operations between the two countries during the pandemic, and the 6th Incheon Airport Awards by Seoul Incheon International Airport, one of Skytrax’s 2021 Air Nominated for Line of the Year. top 10 airports

Service to Chennai is provided by a mix of Embraer and Airbus A320 family jets. What are the services offered?

As MAI is a full-service airline, many customers fly with us, including free baggage allowance of 40 kg in Business Class and 30 kg in Economy Class and in-flight meals that are part of the airfare. You can enjoy the benefits of In addition to full service, MAI customers enjoy added value that is unmatched. Our frequent flyer program, Sky Smiles, offers customers mileage accrual. This will help you on your next trip with our airline, and with SkyDeals boarding pass program, his 40% discount with his over 80 partners up to ASEAN. In addition, business travelers also have access to a complimentary VIP lounge with dedicated check-in, baggage drop, customs and immigration for business travelers in Yangon.

Will this flight be one of the longest Embraer 190 flights in the world? Apart from this, will this be the longest Embraer E190 flight for Myanmar Airways International?

Flight E190 between Yangon and Chennai is not one of the longest flights of this type of aircraft. The average flight distance between the two points is about 1,418 miles or 2,282 kilometers, taking about 3 hours and 15 minutes each way. Our flight is therefore much shorter than the world record distance of 2,422 miles or 3,898 km held by the same aircraft type between Minsk and Dubai. Our Yangon-Chennai flight will be his second longest flight on our E190 fleet after Yangon-Taipei flight of 4 hours 15 minutes. Besides Chennai and Taipei, he operates flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Delhi, Kolkata, and his 10 other cities within Myanmar on a domestic network, primarily using his E190 aircraft. Our Airbus fleet mainly operates flights to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul, Dubai, Guangzhou and Kunming, and also alternates with his E190 route depending on demand factors.

What about Air KBZ Link?

Air KBZ is MAI’s sister airline serving domestic destinations in Myanmar, serving 17 domestic destinations with its ATR72-600 fleet. This includes major destinations such as Mandalay, Thandwe Ngapali Beach, Nyaung-U Bagan UNESCO Heritage Sites, and Heho. Inle Lake and Myeik-Mergui archipelago. Both carriers share the same technology platform, so they work seamlessly on a codeshare basis. So guests can buy tickets from his website on his MAI or trading partners through the agency’s portal. Under these arrangements, our domestic codeshare network is also available through all major global distribution systems.