Private airlines in Myanmar offer free cargo services to flooded areas
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Private airlines - Air Bagan, Asian Wings, Myanmar Airways International and Air KBZ, along with two Air Myanmar helicopters - have begun providing free cargo services to carry relief aid to flood-affected areas, according to the airlines.
“Air Bagan, Asian Wings and two helicopters from Air Myanmar have been cooperating with Htoo Foundation to carry relief aid for flood victims in upper Myanmar,” said Grace Li, deputy director of Air Bagan.
Myanmar Airways International (MAI) has been carrying relief aid items and donated items from Yangon to Mandalay using its Airbuses.
Air KBZ has also increased flights to Kalaymyo to allow NGOs, foundations and donors to provide aid to local residents more easily.
“MAI has been carrying donated items to Mandalay with our Airbuses. Air KBZ then takes them to needy areas. An Airbus can carry a large volume of cargo,” said Aye Mara Thar from MAI.
Heavy rains however stall the rescue efforts.
Li of Air Bagan said that the operations from Bagan to Hakha in Chin State were suspended on August 1 due to bad weather. It was renewed on Sunday. The airline is using Bagan as a base to provide aid to the hilly regions that are difficult to access.
Besides private airlines, state-owned Myanmar Airways has also been carrying donated items to Kalaymyo and other flood-affected areas for free. It is offering daily flights from Mandalay to Kalaymyo in Sagaing Region and from Yangon to Kalaymyo three times a week – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The cargo services are free of charge.
