Myanmar is set to receive an influx of international flights, paving the way for rapid growth of tourism,
A new report from CAPA – Centre for Aviation has identified the aviation growth opportunities for the country.
"Myanmar is the now the seventh largest market in ASEAN with only Brunei and Laos smaller, but it is the fifth most populated. Malaysia has 20 million fewer people than Myanmar but has an aviation market which is nearly 20 times larger," the report says.
Passenger numbers have been increasing, growing from 1.5 million international passengers at Yangon in 2008 to nearly 2.5 million in 2011.
There are currently only 48,444 international seats scheduled into Myanmar this week compared to 1.3 million in Singapore and 1.1 million in Thailand.
CAPA’s report found that international airport operators are eager to participate in expected forthcoming tenders to expand, modernise and manage the country’s airports.
China will take on a larger role, according to CAPA’s report.
Already the country’s ‘Big 3’ carriers – Air China, China Eastern and China Southern – serve the country and there is potential for China’s carriers to offer service from global destinations – America, Australia and Europe – to Myanmar via China.
More immediately, however, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways are likely to promote flights to Myanmar given their high levels of experience with marketing connecting traffic.
Qatar Airways, which will open services later this year, will also be able to promote Myanmar across its global network.
Germany’s Condor and Japan’s ANA are also planning to launch services.
