Rahul Khanna, Yangon (2011-01-31)

NEW domestic airline Asian Wings Airways finally took to the skies last week, after obtaining its air operation certificate in mid-January.

Originally scheduled to start operations last November (TTG Asia e-Daily, November 1, 2010), the airline’s first circuit Yangon-Nyaung Oo-Mandalay-Heho-Yangon route, starting January 27, was fully booked until end of the month, with bookings already building up for February, said general manager Maung Maung Shwe Moe.

With its fleet comprising two 70-seat ATR72-500 aircraft, Asian Wings also offers flights to Tachileik, Lashio, Myitkyina, Kalay, Dawei, Myeik and Kawthoung, and plans to launch services between Yangon and Thandwe, Khamti, Bhamo, Kyaukpyu, Sittwe, Mawlamyine, Monywa, Homalin and Loikaw.

To entice customers travelling to Mandalay, the airline is offering a free shuttle service between the airport and downtown. It has also opened branch offices in Heho, Mandalay, Nyaung Oo and Kengtung to provide convenient ticketing services for passengers.

Another new carrier, Air Kanbawza, is expected to follow Asian Wings into domestic skies in the near future, joining private airlines Air Mandalay and Air Bagan, and state-run Myanmar Airways.