A “milestone” deal worth almost $1 billion has been signed by Burma’s national carrier Myanma Airways to lease 10 new Boeing 737s.
The carrier is to work with the world’s largest leasing company, GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), to upgrade its fleet by 2020.
Burmese government officials and Boeing representatives made the agreement at the Singapore Airshow today.
The state-run airline flies mainly within Burma, also known as Myanmar.
The carrier plans to expand its international routes to Japan and South Korea, adding to its only current non-domestic service which is to Buddhist pilgrim destination Gaya in India.
Myanma Airways currently operates Fokker F28s and ATR turboprops as well as smaller Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft.
GECAS president and chief executive Norman Liu said: “We are pleased at GE to work with Myanma Airways to provide new, state-of-the-art Boeing aircraft.
“This is an important milestone for the airline and for the development of Myanmar’s aviation industry.”