Page 7 - Volumne 18 Number 5

TurbopropsDevelopmentMAY 2014The country of Myanmar (previously known as Burma) is rapidly emerging into the mainstream, after decades of isolation. As part of this renaissance, state-owned Myanma Airways recently purchased two new Cessna Grand Caravan EX airplanes, which will be used to help reach remote and under-serviced communities, and will easily operate out of smaller runways on scheduled flights and charter trips.The Grand Caravans were the first new U.S.- manufactured airplanes to be sold to a Myanmar customer since the country went into self-imposed isolation in 1962. Myanma Airways has also entered into a lease deal with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to acquire 10 Boeing 737s, in order to reestablish international routes over the next several years.A now-welcoming Myanmar is facing a deluge of both tourist and business visitors. Unfortunately, its infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with international arrivals. Cell phone and internet access is improving in the nation’s largest city, YangonTWIN & TURBINE • 5