At least two of Myanmar Airway’s ageing aircraft are to be replaced by state-of-the-art Embraer 190s from Brazil.
Than Htun, the managing director of the state-run airline, said, “The first Embraer 190 aircraft will arrive here on December 12. The second one will be here in the first week of January 2013.”
Made in São José dos Campos in Brazil, the Embraer 190 carries a new engine, the GE CF34-10E. It has a 110-seat capacity, wider seat space, a wider cargo hold, and a safe track record with only one accident in its 10-year history.
According to aviation sites, one Embraer 190 aircraft costs US $28.5million to $40 million.
Myanmar Airways admits that passenger fares may be increased to offset to comfort and the expense of buying the new airplanes.
Early indications are that the Embraers will fly to Gaya in India and Chiang Mai in Thailand.
Myanmar Airways has also made a deal with the American GE Company to borrow planes while they make plans to replace ageing F-28s.
