Myanmar Airways International
Myanmar Airways International is a privately owned Myanmar airline based at Yangon International Airport, serving scheduled domestic and international markets.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Myanmar Airways International Co., Ltd. (MAI) is a privately owned airline headquartered in Yangon, Myanmar. The carrier operates scheduled passenger services from Yangon and Mandalay, with a network focused on Myanmar and international destinations in Southeast Asia, South Asia, China, the Middle East, and selected markets in East Asia and Russia. Its principal operating base is Yangon International Airport, and it also uses Mandalay as a hub. The airline’s public identity incorporates the pyinsarupa, a traditional Burmese chimeric creature, as its logo symbol. The airline’s history combines an older Myanmar aviation lineage with the creation of a modern international carrier. Although the airline is associated with a 1946 founding date, the present international operation took off in August 1993 as a joint venture between Myanma Airways and Singapore-based Highsonic Enterprises, with support from Royal Brunei Airlines. The initial venture emphasized international operating standards, new Boeing aircraft, expatriate cockpit crews, enhanced cabin-crew training, and management expertise drawn in part from former Singapore Airlines personnel. The original joint-venture structure was later terminated, leaving MAI as a wholly owned Myanmar company before subsequent changes in ownership and management. A further international partnership began in 2000, when Singapore-based Region Air agreed to acquire a 49 percent interest under a long-term joint-venture arrangement that took effect on 1 January 2001. Region Air provided management, marketing, accounting, financial-strategy, technical, and operational support. During this period MAI introduced a new corporate identity and aircraft livery, upgraded its cabin-crew program, obtained new IATA designator codes, joined the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement and IATA Clearing House, and sent employees to Malaysia Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines training centers. In 2003, it began a codeshare with Thai Airways International on the Bangkok–Yangon route and subsequently developed additional commercial relationships with airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Jetstar Asia. Foreign management control was transferred to MAI in February 2007. MAI later pursued fleet and network modernization after a period of limited growth. In 2019, MAI and its sister carrier, then known as Air KBZ, entered a new phase of business realignment and strategic expansion following their takeover by the 24 Hour Group of Companies, led by chairman U Aung Aung Zaw. MAI announced plans to expand its fleet and strengthen international services, with particular attention to China and South Korea. Its wider group strategy also involved the rebranding of Air KBZ as Mingalar Aviation Services. In March 2024, MAI presented an expansion plan that included a target of 21 international flights and proposed or announced services to Chiang Mai, Vientiane, Dhaka, and Doha. The airline also introduced a co-branded tourism SIM product with ATOM. By the reference period, the carrier reported service across a broad regional network and operated a mixed fleet comprising Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, Embraer E190 aircraft, and ATR turboprop equipment in cooperation with its sister carrier. MAI maintains airline and industry relationships with organizations including Air France Industries, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and SriLankan Airlines, and participates in IATA-related clearing and interline systems. The airline markets passenger benefits through the Sky Smile Privilege frequent-flyer program, whose membership tiers are Jade, Ruby, and Diamond. Diamond members and business-class passengers can use the Sky Smile Executive Lounge at Yangon International Airport. MAI has also promoted its operational-safety credentials, describing itself as the first Myanmar airline to receive IATA Operational Safety Audit Operator status and highlighting a seven-star safety rating. It sponsored the 2013 Southeast Asian Games and received recognition at the 2014 ASEAN Business Awards and the 2022 Incheon Airport Awards. Its activities during the COVID-19 period included continued services between Myanmar and South Korea, for which it received recognition from South Korean officials.
History
Myanmar Airways International is linked to Myanmar’s postwar civil-aviation history through a 1946 founding date, but the present international airline began operations in August 1993. It was established as a joint venture between Myanma Airways and Highsonic Enterprises of Singapore, with support from Royal Brunei Airlines. The early MAI model sought to bring international airline practices to Myanmar through Boeing aircraft, expatriate flight crews, Singapore-linked management, more extensive employee training, and operating standards associated with the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. The initial venture was later dissolved, and MAI became a wholly owned Myanmar company. On 5 December 2000, Singapore-based Region Air signed a long-term joint-venture agreement under which it acquired a 49 percent stake. The arrangement became effective on 1 January 2001 and assigned Region Air responsibilities spanning management, marketing, accounting, financial planning, technical matters, and operational management. MAI used this period to refresh its brand identity and aircraft livery, upgrade cabin-crew training, and develop its international industry infrastructure. In 2002 it obtained new IATA designator codes and joined the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement and IATA Clearing House. It also sent 122 employees to training centers operated by Malaysia Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines. The airline broadened its commercial relationships during the early 2000s. In 2003, MAI entered a codeshare arrangement with Thai Airways International on the Bangkok–Yangon route. Other reported codeshare or interline relationships have included Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Jetstar Asia. The company continued upgrading its customer-facing operations, including uniforms for ground staff and additional cabin-crew recruitment. In February 2007, the foreign management team operating through Region Air Myanmar (HK) Ltd. transferred control back to MAI. For several years, MAI experienced relatively limited growth, but its expansion agenda was revived in the late 2010s. In 2019, MAI and its sister airline Air KBZ were taken over by the 24 Hour Group of Companies. The transaction brought both carriers into a broader group strategy led by U Aung Aung Zaw and was followed by plans to increase MAI’s fleet and improve its international reach, especially in China and South Korea. Air KBZ was subsequently rebranded as Mingalar Aviation Services, creating a closer strategic relationship between the two airlines. At a March 2024 event in Yangon, MAI presented a strategic plan that included expansion to 21 international flights and the addition or development of services to Chiang Mai, Vientiane, Dhaka, and Doha. The airline also launched a tourism-focused SIM partnership with ATOM. Reported operations from Yangon and Mandalay covered domestic Myanmar destinations and international points across Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, Russia, Laos, Qatar, and Bangladesh. The reported fleet included Airbus A319s and A320s, Embraer E190s, and ATR aircraft, with some operations coordinated with Mingalar. MAI’s customer proposition includes the Sky Smile Privilege loyalty program, with Jade, Ruby, and Diamond levels. The program separates tier qualification from award mileage, with published validity rules for each. At Yangon International Airport, the Sky Smile Executive Lounge is available to Diamond members and business-class passengers and provides refreshments, entertainment, and business-support services. The airline also participates in IATA clearing and interline systems and maintains relationships with several international aviation companies and airlines. Safety and institutional recognition have been important elements of MAI’s public profile. The carrier has described itself as the first airline in Myanmar to receive IATA Operational Safety Audit Operator status and has promoted a seven-star safety record. It was a sponsor of the 2013 Southeast Asian Games and was named Most Admired ASEAN Enterprise in Myanmar at the 2014 ASEAN Business Awards. During the COVID-19 period, MAI continued operating services between Myanmar and South Korea and received recognition connected with that continuity. In 2022, it was named Airline of the Year at the sixth Incheon Airport Awards. The available reference material does not establish a complete current corporate ownership structure, executive roster, or definitive route and fleet snapshot beyond the stated reporting periods.
- 2024
Strategic network and partner-brand expansion
[1]MAI unveiled plans for expanded international flying, announced destinations including Chiang Mai, Vientiane, Dhaka, and Doha, and presented the rebranding of Air KBZ as Mingalar Aviation Services.
- 2022
Incheon Airport Airline of the Year
[1]MAI received Airline of the Year recognition at the sixth Incheon Airport Awards.
- 2019
Takeover by 24 Hour Group
[1]MAI and its sister carrier Air KBZ entered a new business-alignment and expansion phase after being taken over by the 24 Hour Group of Companies.
- 2014
ASEAN business recognition
[1]MAI was named Most Admired ASEAN Enterprise in Myanmar at the ASEAN Business Awards.
- 2013
Southeast Asian Games sponsorship
[1]MAI sponsored the 2013 Southeast Asian Games.
- 2007
Foreign management control transferred
[1]In February, the management team operating through Region Air Myanmar transferred control to MAI.
- 2003
Thai Airways codeshare begins
[1]MAI launched a codeshare arrangement with Thai Airways International on the Bangkok–Yangon route.
- 2002
IATA participation expands
[1]MAI obtained new IATA designator codes and joined the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement and IATA Clearing House.
- 2001
Region Air joint venture takes effect
[1]Region Air began providing management and other operational support after acquiring a 49 percent interest under an agreement effective 1 January 2001.
- 1993
Modern international operation begins
[1]MAI began flying in August 1993 as a joint venture involving Myanma Airways, Highsonic Enterprises, and support from Royal Brunei Airlines.
Products and positioning
A Myanmar-based full-service international airline focused on connecting the country with regional Asian, Middle Eastern, and selected long-haul markets, while differentiating through international partnerships, safety accreditation, loyalty benefits, and network expansion.
Airline transportation · 1993
Scheduled passenger services
MAI operates scheduled passenger flights from Yangon and Mandalay. Its network combines domestic Myanmar routes with international services across Southeast Asia, South Asia, China, East Asia, the Middle East, and selected Russian destinations. The network and fleet vary over time.
Frequent-flyer program
Sky Smile Privilege
MAI’s loyalty program offers Jade, Ruby, and Diamond membership levels. It distinguishes tier points from award mileage, allowing qualifying members to receive benefits and redeem accumulated miles for award tickets subject to the program’s rules.
Airport lounge
Sky Smile Executive Lounge
The Sky Smile Executive Lounge at Yangon International Airport is available to Diamond members and business-class passengers. Reported facilities include refreshments, entertainment, and business-secretary services.
Ancillary passenger service · 2024
Tourism SIM
In 2024, MAI introduced a co-branded tourism SIM with ATOM, positioning mobile connectivity and data as an add-on service for travelers.
Marketing campaigns
- 2024MAI–ATOM Tourism SIM
Myanmar · International visitors to Myanmar
MAI partnered with ATOM to offer a co-branded tourism SIM intended to provide passengers with affordable telecommunications and data services.
Outcome. The product became part of MAI’s passenger and tourism-oriented ancillary offering.
- 2013Southeast Asian Games sponsorship
Myanmar · Southeast Asia
MAI sponsored the 2013 Southeast Asian Games, linking the airline brand with a major regional sporting event hosted in Myanmar.
Outcome. The sponsorship established MAI as an official commercial supporter of the event.
Brand decisions
2024
Expand international services and align partner brandingStrategyBackground
MAI presented a new strategic plan aimed at increasing international flying and clarifying the role of its partner airline within the group.
Action taken
The airline announced expansion to 21 international flights, identified new or planned destinations, and unveiled the rebranding of Air KBZ as Mingalar Aviation Services.
Aftermath
The announcements positioned MAI and Mingalar for a more integrated regional expansion strategy.
2019
Restart fleet and international-network expansionStrategyBackground
After several relatively stagnant years, MAI sought to resume growth and improve its international presence, especially in China and South Korea.
Action taken
Following the takeover by the 24 Hour Group of Companies, MAI announced plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its international network alongside sister carrier Air KBZ.
Aftermath
The group entered a broader realignment phase, and Air KBZ was later rebranded as Mingalar Aviation Services.
2001
Bring Region Air into the ownership and management structureM&ABackground
MAI sought additional management, commercial, financial, and technical support for its international operations.
Action taken
Region Air acquired a 49 percent stake and began providing broad management and operational services under a long-term joint-venture agreement.
Aftermath
Region Air’s foreign management control was transferred back to MAI in February 2007.
1993
Create an internationally oriented joint ventureStrategyBackground
Myanmar’s national airline group sought to establish an international operation supported by foreign aviation expertise and modern operating practices.
Action taken
MAI was launched as a joint venture between Myanma Airways and Highsonic Enterprises, with support from Royal Brunei Airlines.
Aftermath
The original joint-venture structure was later terminated and MAI became a wholly owned Myanmar company.
Recent events
- 2024
MAI unveils strategic expansion plan and rebranding initiative[1]
Product launch · Campaign
Myanmar Airways International announced plans involving expanded international services, additional destinations, and the rebranding of its partner airline Air KBZ as Mingalar Aviation Services. It also announced a co-branded tourism SIM with ATOM.
- 2022
MAI receives Airline of the Year recognition at Incheon Airport Awards[1]
Other
MAI was recognized as Airline of the Year at the sixth Incheon Airport Awards, following its continued operations between Myanmar and South Korea during the pandemic period.
- 2013
MAI sponsors the 2013 Southeast Asian Games[1]
Campaign
Myanmar Airways International served as a sponsor of the 2013 Southeast Asian Games hosted in Myanmar.
Sources1 sources
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