Aug. 05--Thailand's MJets Ltd has made its international foray by opening a world-class private jet terminal and a full-range business aviation facility in Myanmar.
The integrated facility, known as the Myanmar MJets Business Aviation Center (MMBAC) and located at Yangon airport, officially opened last Saturday to become the first of its kind in the country.
It is a 50-50 joint venture between MJets and Wah Wah Group, Myanmar's leading aviation business enterprise, with support from Myanma Airways, the country's national carrier.
William Heineken, a founder of MJets, told the Bangkok Post that the company would expand throughout Asean region and Africa.
MJets is looking at establishing similar facilities in two other Myanmar airports, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw ? and in Phuket and Chiang Mai alongside its first site at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport.
The expansion is geared partly towards supporting the gigantic international hospitality businesses of Minor International Plc.
Bangkok-based Minor operates more than 100 hotels in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa under the Anantara, Four Seasons, Marriott, Elewana and Avani brands.
"We try to link MJets' facilities with our hotels to support our hospitality businesses," Mr Heinecke said.
Ohn Myint, founder and chief executive of Wah Wah, said many wealthy and discerning aircraft owners had requested VIP treatment at Myanmar airports that did not exist.
The MMBAC will not only fill the gap but also elevate Myanmar's aviation industry into the next chapter of development and modernisation, he said.
Private jet movements through Myanmar, mostly via Yangon, are expected to grow strongly in line with rapid development, foreign investment and tourism.
"When I entered the ground handling business for private jets in Myanmar 16 years ago, there was only one aircraft a year, rising to five in the second year and 15 in the third year. This year we will have 300 flights," said Ohn Myint.
The number is expected to double to 600 flights in the third year of the MMBAC's operation, said MJets executive chairman Jaiyavat Navaraj.
Ohn Myint estimates 10% of traffic will be for air ambulances, mostly patients from Myanmar seeking treatment in Thailand and Singapore.
Copyright 2014 - Bangkok Post, Thailand
