Burma airline expands to cope with tourism boom

The airline is set to order the Boeing 737 jets on lease to service domestic routes, in what appears to be the largest single fleet expansion in Myanmar, aviation industry sources said to AFP news agency.

The aircraft will be provided by the world’s largest leasing company, General Electric’s aviation leasing arm GECAS, the sources said, asking not to be identified.

The decision is expected to be announced at the Singapore Airshow, which runs from February 11 to 16.

The airline could not be reached for comment. Boeing declined to comment.

Myanma Airways, which owns 20 percent of flag carrier Myanmar Airways International, currently flies only domestic routes. Experts say the 160-seat Boeing 737 would give the airline flexibility and range to operate internationally.

Leasing companies rent aircraft to airlines in exchange for a monthly fee.

After years of isolation, Myanmar is seen as one of the last frontiers for aviation in Asia.

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Source The Telegraph, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10630255/Burma-airline-expands-to-cope-with-tourism-boom.html