Air Mandalay eyes regional expansion with new jets

This agreement demonstrates Air Mandalay’s continuing commitment to best serve both the local market and visitors to Myanmar, as the country transitions to an international standard air transport structure, it said. 

 Air Mandalay, currently operates turboprop aircraft and is seeking to expand and enhance its fleet’s capability through the introduction of regional jets. The addition of the MRJ will provide unprecedented benefits to drive the airline’s expected growth in the region. Moreover, the MRJ, along with Air Mandalay’s strong management team and Myanmar’s strategic geographic location in the competitive Asian market, will provide Air Mandalay and Mitsubishi Aircraft with an opportunity to outpace the industry for years to come. 

Air Mandalay CEO Gary J Villiard says the company chose the MRJ for its advanced design characteristics, its promised customer support backed by the Mitsubishi parent company and the reliability and economy of the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan Engine. By 2032, Mitsubishi Aircraft anticipates demand of about 1,000 airplanes in the expanding Asian regional jet market. This agreement with Air Mandalay will enable Mitsubishi Aircraft to accelerate sales efforts across the region. Thus far, 325 MRJ are on order but Air Mandalay is the first Asian airline outside of Japan to select the aircraft. 

Deliveries of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, Japan’s next generation regional aircraft are scheduled to commence in 2018. In the meantime Air Mandalay will be expanding its fleet with the introduction of six Embraer Regional Jets as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary later on in the year. “We are dedicated to facilitating transportation in Myanmar and enhancing the travel experience of our loyal customers,” explained Villiard, “Our plan is to expand our route structure in order to service our expanding customer base as the country’s air travel requirements continue to show record growth”.