Myanmar Airways International

What Myanmar Airways International does

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) is a full-service international airline founded in 1993 and headquartered in Yangon, Myanmar, with a secondary hub in Mandalay. The carrier operates 42 destinations spanning Southeast Asia (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos), East Asia (China, South Korea), South Asia (India), the Middle East (UAE), and domestic Myanmar, using a mixed fleet of Airbus A319/A320/A321F, Embraer E190, ATR72-600, and a Boeing 737-400F freighter. MAI sells tickets primarily through direct-to-consumer channels including its website (maiair.com), iOS/Android mobile app, AskMAI chatbot on multiple messaging platforms, and a global network of more than 40 offices and General Sales Agents across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. The airline maintains codeshare and interline partnerships with over 40 carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and SriLankan Airlines to extend reach beyond its organic network.

The airline generates revenue across five primary streams: scheduled passenger transportation (business and economy class), air cargo services (operated via Boeing 737-400F and Airbus A321F with a global partner network including DHL), ground handling services at Yangon International Airport (passenger handling, ramp, cargo handling, flight operations, security, and aircraft maintenance), private charter flights, and ancillary services (extra baggage, seat selection, special meals, Mai Hsoong Kha VIP service, eSIM, Sky Emporium merchandise, travel insurance, and visa services). Pricing is positioned 15-20% below main competition according to MAI's own FAQ, with separate fare tiers for business (40kg baggage, lounge access, priority check-in) and economy classes (30kg baggage). A Sky Smile loyalty program with Jade, Ruby, and Diamond tiers supports repeat engagement.

Since 2019, MAI has operated under the ownership of the 24 Hour Group of Companies, led by Chairman U Aung Aung Zaw, sharing a parent with sister carrier Mingalar (formerly Air KBZ). The company has maintained a 100% accident-free flight record, holds a 7-star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, and is Myanmar's first airline to earn the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. In March 2025, MAI deployed the Maxamation Aviator Revenue Management System across its full international network to automate demand forecasting and dynamic pricing. Recent moves include the establishment of the MAI Foundation (January 2025) as a CSR subsidiary, the launch of digital ancillaries (eSIM, Sky Emporium, MAI Xtra), and announced expansion including a new Yangon-Monywa domestic route effective July 2026.

Name

Myanmar Airways International

Legal name

Myanmar Airways International Co., Ltd

Website

https://maiair.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) is a full-service international airline founded in 1993, headquartered in Yangon, serving 42 destinations across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and domestic Myanmar with passenger, cargo, charter, and ground handling services, operating under the 24 Hour Group of Companies since 2019.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airline Transportation

NAICS

Scheduled Air Transportation (4811), Scheduled Freight Air Transportation (481112), Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812)

SIC

Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512), Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Service Airlines (Passenger + Belly Cargo Integrated) (THABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Scheduled Air Cargo Airlines (All-Cargo Carriers) (THABAEAA), Aerospace & Defense (TLAIALAB)

Keywords

• International passenger air transport
• Air cargo services
• Airline ground handling
• Charter flight services
• Frequent flyer program

Headquarters

HQ city

Yangon

HQ country

Myanmar (Burma)

HQ region

Asia

Offices44 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Passenger Air Transportation: Primary revenue stream from selling passenger tickets across business and economy class on scheduled flights to 42 destinations across Myanmar and internationally including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, UAE, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, Russia, and Laos.
2. Cargo Services: Cargo and freight services operating from Yangon International Airport with a Boeing 737-400F Freighter and extensive global cargo partner network covering Myanmar, China, Dubai, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh.
3. Ground Handling Services: Ground handling services at Yangon International Airport including passenger handling, ramp handling, cargo and mail handling, load control and flight operations, security services, and aircraft maintenance.
4. Charter Services: Private charter flights organized from Yangon and other international airports in Myanmar, serving destinations including Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and UAE.
5. Ancillary Services: Additional revenue from extra baggage, seat selection, special meals, Mai Hsoong Kha VIP service, wheelchair service, travel insurance, eSIM, and Sky Emporium online shop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) is a full-service international airline founded in 1993, operating scheduled passenger air transportation, cargo services, charter flights, and ground handling from primary hubs at Yangon International Airport and Mandalay International Airport. The airline serves 42 destinations across domestic Myanmar and international markets spanning Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Northeast Asia with a mixed fleet of Airbus A319/A320/A321F, Embraer E190, ATR72-600, and Boeing 737-400F aircraft. MAI also sells ancillary services including excess baggage, seat selection, special meals, VIP airport service, travel insurance, and eSIM connectivity.

Product overview

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) operates as a full-service international airline with a diversified portfolio of airline operations and ancillary services. The core offering is commercial air transportation across 42 destinations spanning Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Northeast Asia, and domestic Myanmar routes. The airline's product ecosystem includes: core airline services (passenger and cargo transport), ground handling operations, and charter services; loyalty program (Sky Smile with tiered membership); digital platforms (MAI mobile app, MAI Xtra booking site, Sky Emporium merchandise shop); premium add-on services (prepaid baggage, seat selection, special meals, VIP services, wheelchair assistance); travel services (e-Visa, eSIM, travel insurance, visa assistance); and CSR/community initiatives through the MAI Foundation. The airline also runs talent development programs (cadet pilot, cabin crew, ground internships) in partnership with aviation training institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MAI Xtra: Travel and lifestyle related services and promotions
• Sky Smile Program
• Sky Deals
• MAI Foundation
• Mai Hsoong Kha
• Sky Emporium

Products and services

• Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation
• Cargo Services
• Ground Handling Services
• Charter Services
• Sky Smile Loyalty Program
• Sky Emporium Online Shop
• eSIM Connectivity Service
• Travel Insurance
• e-Visa Service

Quantifiable outcome

• 7-star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• MaxamationcoreTechnology or IntegrationMAI implemented Maxamation's Aviator Revenue Management System across its entire international network following an extensive evaluation process. The system enables automated revenue optimization through intelligent demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and continuous pricing strategy adjustments in response to market conditions.
• Malaysia AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner providing seamless connectivity between networks across Southeast Asia and beyond.
• SriLankan AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner expanding connectivity to South Asia and Middle East routes.
• Garuda IndonesiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner for enhanced connectivity across Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
• Air IndiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner providing access to India routes and connections beyond.
• Royal Brunei AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner for connectivity to Brunei and regional routes.
• Air FrancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner providing European connectivity and global reach.
• EmiratescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner for Dubai hub connectivity and Middle East/Europe routes.
• Etihad AirwayscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner for Abu Dhabi connectivity and Middle East network.
• Qatar AirwayscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner for Doha hub connectivity and global network access.
• Thai Airways InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCodeshare and interline partner for Thailand routes and regional connectivity.
• Singapore Airlines (via Changi Travel Services)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGSA representation in Singapore for sales and reservations support.
• The Cargo Flight Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCargo sales agent in Myanmar handling freight operations from Yangon office.
• MYANMAR DHL Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal logistics partner for cargo operations in Myanmar market.
• Mandalar HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSky Deals partner offering 20% off for Outpatient Doctor's Consultation Services Fees for MAI passengers.
• Pun Hlaing HospitalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare partner offering one-time free telehealth consultation session for MAI ticket holders booking via MAI website or direct channels.
• 24 Hour Group of CompaniesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of MAI since 2019, led by Chairman U Aung Aung Zaw. Also owns sister carrier Mingalar (formerly Air KBZ) under strategic expansion and business realignment.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Mingalar Airways (formerly Air KBZ): Myanmar-based full-service carrier and sister airline to MAI under the 24 Hour Group of Companies. Operates overlapping domestic and regional routes from the same parent group, making it the most direct operational and competitive comparison.
• Myanmar National Airlines: The Myanmar state-linked flag carrier, operating domestic and limited international services. Directly comparable as the other major Myanmar-licensed scheduled passenger airline competing for the same origin-destination traffic.
• Thai Airways International: Codeshare partner of MAI and a direct competitor on Yangon–Bangkok and other Southeast Asian corridors. Both are full-service international carriers serving Myanmar traffic, making fleet, hub, and product comparisons highly relevant.
• Malaysia Airlines: Codeshare partner and direct competitor on routes between Myanmar and Kuala Lumpur onward to Europe/Middle East. Comparable as a national full-service carrier with overlapping network, similar premium product, and shared interline relationships.
• Bangkok Airways: Regional full-service carrier serving secondary Southeast Asian destinations (Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam) with a similar mid-size fleet strategy. Comparable on route profile, customer base (leisure + regional business), and tier-2 hub model.

Broad incumbents

• AirAsia: ASEAN low-cost leader that competes with MAI on price-sensitive intra-Asia routes (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam). Comparable on route overlap and target customer (price-sensitive leisure travelers), though AirAsia operates a much larger fleet and network.
• Emirates: Codeshare partner and dominant carrier on the Yangon–Dubai corridor. Comparable on safety/reliability benchmarks and long-haul connectivity, but materially larger in fleet, network, and brand — useful as a benchmark for international aspirational positioning.
• Singapore Airlines: Interline partner and indirect competitor via Changi for Myanmar-origin long-haul traffic. Sets the upper-bound benchmark for product quality, loyalty program, and network reach in the same regional competitive set.
• IndiGo: India's largest carrier and emerging competitor on the Yangon–India corridor. Comparable on aggressive pricing, modern fleet, and rapidly expanding international network that overlaps with MAI's Indian routes out of Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Gaya.

Emerging players

• Nok Air: Thai low-cost carrier operating selected routes into Myanmar and the wider Mekong region. Comparable on price-led positioning and short-haul regional focus, and an emerging competitive threat on MAI's Myanmar–Thailand leisure routes.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/maiairwaysintl
• Facebookfacebook.com/8Mofficial
• LinkedInmm.linkedin.com/company/myanmarairwaysinternational
• Instagraminstagram.com/mai8mofficial

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Myanmar Airways International