MAI has been doing well in the past couple of years. Despite lack of inbound tourists into Myanmar, it is enjoying its market dominance on popular routes, such as BKK, SIN, etc., as well as places less travelled such as Boddha Gaya, DEL, CCU, etc. In the former routes, MAI is the market leader, while the airline became a natural monopoly for the latter three. Just to give an example, while airlines from Thailand such as Thai airway, Bangkok Air, could not even fly every day to Rgn, MAI has 3-5 flights everyday on average to BKK.
Its strategy is to first monopolise the domestic market by splitting the routes with MNA (Myanmar National Airways). With this lack of effective competition, MAI is able to charge the prices for domestic air travel at a level where the airline remains profitable for all routes. Just as an example, flight to Tar Chi Laik, a border town in the Easter Shan State, now cost 14Lakhs+ return. It is more than double the price of Rgn – Bkk – Rgn return ticket price.
With strong home ground advantage, MAI is able to effectively compete with regional airlines, including SIA, TG, MAS, etc. As part of its strategic fleet and network expansions, MAI welcome its seventh Airbus A319 aircraft to Yangon International Airport on June 23.
“This aircraft arrival is a significant step in MAI’s strategy to expand its network. It will increase our passenger capacity for the upcoming tourist season, and expand our regional routes faster. It will support our commitment to providing direct connections and reliable flights in line with international standards to meet the needs of Myanmar’s aviation transport sector,” said MAI chief executive officer Tanes Kumar.
Coinciding with MAI’s expansion, celebrating its 32nd anniversary, the new Airbus A319 will be used on the current most popular routes as well as new routes, due to its range and capacity. Starting from late October, MAI will fly more flights to Yangon-Hanoi, Yangon/ Mandalay-Chiang Mai, Yangon-Da Nang, Yangon-Kolkata, Yangon-Chennai, and Yangon-Guangzhou, subject to authorities’ approvals.
With this arrival, MAI’s fleet now totals 11 aircrafts, including seven Airbus A320s, two Embraer E 190s, an ATR72-600 and a Boeing 737-400F cargo aircraft. MAI is based at Yangon and Mandalay airports and operates flights to 41 cities across Myanmar, ASEAN, Northeast Asia and the Middle East. MAI’s partner Mingalar Airlines has acquired three ATR72-600 aircraft, bringing the Group’s total fleet to 14 aircrafts.
MAI’s 7th Airbus Lands at Yangon International Airport
