May 201336

May2013100

For more information and reservation, please log on to www.omanair.com or call us 02 635 1222

With the current growing interest in Myanmar travel, we decided to put the spotlight on Myanmar Airways International (MAI),

Myanmar’s original and only national airline.The airline was originally called Union of Burma

Airways, beginning operations in the 1950s when the country was still known as Burma. It was renamed Burma Airways Corporation in the early 1970s and continued services under this name until 1988, when Burma was of� cially renamed Myanmar. The airline was renamed Myanma Airways.

Myanmar Airways International (MAI) took off in August 1993, created by a joint venture between Myanma Airways and Singapore interests with the support of Royal Brunei Airlines.

With a new Singapore management team (many ex-Singapore Airlines staff), new Boeing aircraft with all expatriate cockpit crew, better-trained � ight attendants, and new UK Civil Aviation Authority operating standards, this was the beginning of a successful new era for

MYANMAR AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL

MAI STARTED ITS MANDALAY-BANGKOK SERVICE IN LATE MARCH OF THIS YEAR, BECOMING THE THIRD

CARRIER TO OPERATE SERVICE ON THIS ROUTE

the national airline. Myanma Airways (UB) continued operations as a purely domestic carrier for the local population.

MAI became the international airline of Myanmar with regular � ights between Yangon (the commercial capital of Myanmar), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kunming, Dacca, and Jakarta. MAI’s potential continued to attract investors and in February 2007, a new joint venture was formed in which Myanma Airways retained 51% and Region Air (HK) Ltd. took 49% stake.

Through the years MAI continued to develop its network regionally. It now also � ies to Gaya (India) and Guangzhou (China). In December 2012, it resumed its services to Cambodia (Siem Reap and Phnom Penh).

The airline considers timely arrivals and departures as the hallmarks of its service. “We take all necessary steps

to ensure our � ight schedules are maintained but not at the expense of our passenger’s safety,” says its website. “Working closely with Thai Airways International (THAI), we operate a code share agreement for all of our � ights on the Yangon-Bangkok-Yangon route. This means that all our � ights will have two � ight numbers, with the � ight designator code (“8M” for MAI and “TG” for THAI) and � ight number of the airline actually operating the � ight shown on the ticket.”

The airline operates seven Airbus A320s. With these modern Aircrafts, the carrier is able to deliver the most comfortable and enjoyable � ying experience available today, no matter which class you travel with. Its Airbus A320s have been upgraded with new luxurious seats and business class - as well as economy class-seats are offered.

MAI pilots and engineers are all expatriates who bring with them a premium level of skill and experience from some of the world’s leading airlines. To complement their expertise, MAI employs highly professional cabin crews – all Myanmar nationals, most of whom have been with them for several years.

Every member of the team is � uent in English and has received the highest standards of safety training provided by Malaysia Airlines. Their own training department carries out in-� ight service training. As a result, you’ll � nd the perfect blend of professionalism and traditional hospitality. From the moment you enter the aircraft, until long after you leave, you will be enchanted by the genuine smiles, direct-friendliness and integrity of the cabin crew, ground crew and support staff. Yet these are just small examples of a unique cultural heritage that still provides guiding principles for the Myanmar people.

MAI started its Mandalay-Bangkok service in late March of this year, becoming the third carrier to operate service on this route (Bangkok Airways will become the fourth carrier when it begins service in September). Service operates on a daily basis. Yangon–Bangkok service remains twice a day.

The airline’s main of� ce is in Yangon (e-mail: management@maiair.com). In Thailand, the MAI of� ce is on the 8th Floor, Unit 3803 of BB Building, 54 Asoke Rd, Sukhumvit 21. Tel: 02 261-5060; e-mail: bkk.sales@maiair.com

Oman Air recently received a unique award in recognition of the outstanding quality of its First Class and Business Class amenity kits. At the “TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards 2013” held in Hamburg, Germany, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, was presented with the TravelPlus Readers Award for the “Most Enduring Amenity Bags” by the leading online magazine’s editor, Simon Ward.

The commendation comes in the wake of Oman Air’s success in the TravelPlus awards over the last two years. In January 2012, it won both the “Best First Class Female Amenity Bag” and the “Best Business Class Unisex Amenity Bag” categories, and also received a “Highly Commended in the Best First Class Male Amenity Bag” category. In 2011, the airline received the “Best First Class Female Amenity Bag” award and came second in the “Best First Class Male Amenity Bag” category. In the same year, Oman Air also won the “Best Onboard Amenity” category in recognition of its pioneering introduction of both mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity on its Airbus A330 � eet.

This year’s awards were held at a special gala ceremony at the Radisson Blue Hotel, Hamburg, coinciding with the ‘World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo.’ The awards, which are designed to recognize those airlines that go the extra mile for their customers, attracted a large number of entries from airlines and suppliers, and competition was � erce.

Wayne Pearce, Oman Air Chief Executive Of� cer, said: “On behalf of all the staff at Oman Air, I am delighted to receive this unique award in recognition of our efforts to offer the very highest quality of on-board products and services. Year after year, our amenity bags have been recognized by the TravelPlus awards and we are very grateful for their support.”

Editor of TravelPlus, Simon Ward, added: “We would like to congratulate Oman Air for achieving success at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards for the third year running. The airline’s commitment to quality shines through in their amenity kits, which make an important contribution to the premium passenger experience.”

Oman Air’s sumptuous amenity bags offer first and business class travelers a taste of Omani luxury and are � lled with a selection of top-of-the-range skin care products from the world-renowned Omani perfumery, Amouage, together with a number of essential toiletries and personal grooming items.

Oman Air’s latest success continues its run of key industry award wins in recognition of the airline’s many recent developments, including the introduction of new airbus A330 aircraft to its � eet, the inauguration of a range of exciting new destinations, the unveiling of spacious and luxurious aircraft interiors – including its A330 business class seat, named as the World’s Best at the Skytrax 2012 World Airline Awards - and the launch of state-of-the-art in-� ight entertainment systems.

OMAN AIR RECEIVES UNIQUE AWARD AT ‘TRAVELPLUS AIRLINE AMENITY BAG AWARDS’

BANGKOK AIRWAYS INTRODUCES AIRLINEMASCOTS FOR YOUNG TARGETSBangkok Airways introduces the airline’s � ve cartoon mascots to tackle the young target group of kids and teens. These � ve mascots will further be developed as products and later created as cartoon animated series to air in Bangkok Airways’ in-� ight entertainment and lounges. Capt. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, Bangkok Airways’ president said, “We came up with an idea to have the mascots because we want to expand our target base focusing on a younger target group. These 5 characterized mascots are designed from our l aircrafts in service using colors and designs that please children” Each mascot will have his and her unique characters; “SKY” is active, con� dent, lively and fast. “SUNSHINE” is joyful, humble and cute, “ROCKY” is reserved, strong and warm, “WINDY” is playful, courteous and talkative and “DAISY” is naughty and playful. Get to know more about Bangkok Airways’ � ve mascots now at www.facebook.com/� ybangkokair

ETIHAD AIRWAYS UNVEILS NEW GLOBALADVERTISING CAMPAIGNEtihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched a new global brand advertising campaign. With the theme “The World Is Our Home, You Are Our Guest,” regional and international TV, print, outdoor, and digital media advertising agencies will support the airline’s � rst major campaign in three years. The campaign reinforces the airline’s ‘guest’ proposition and explains how Etihad Airways draws inspiration from around the world to provide industry-leading “signature moments” on the ground and in the air. Its new television commercial (TVC) was aired in March. Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This is our first brand advertising in many years. Having focused on product innovation and service excellence, the time is right now to make a bold and con� dent brand statement to the world. “This is not a rebranding exercise, but a continuation of our brand story drawing from the values of our home in Abu Dhabi and our inspiration from around the world.” The concept for the TVC, which is central to the campaign, was created by international advertising agency, M&C Saatchi, and was produced by Rogue Films in London. David Edwards directed the TVC, which was � lmed in Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Prague, and Sydney between mid-December 2012, and mid-January 2013. Tom Dery, M&C Saatchi’s Worldwide Chairman, said: “This particular commercial really re� ects the con� dence and enthusiasm that the Etihad Airways’ management team has in their airline. The commercial takes the image of Etihad Airways to a new level and highlights the wonderful product they have.”

CATHAY PACIFIC OFFERS “MAGIC IN THE AIR PACKAGE” FROM BT11,700Cathay Paci� c Airways and Hong Kong Disneyland welcome the school break with a “Magic in the Air” vacation package - the ultimate magical experience for everyone. The special family and friends package starts from Bt11,700 per person, including air tickets, hotel accommodation (2 days/1 night) for groups of two or more, plus return airport/hotel transfers and upgradable Hong Kong Disneyland theme park tickets. Interested passengers can book tickets from now until June 21 and travel up to June 28, 2013.

QANTAS APPOINTS NEW MANAGER FOR THAILAND, VIETNAMQantas has announced the appointment of Bob Everest as manager for Thailand and Vietnam’s branches. Everest will be based in Bangkok and is responsible for all Qantas commercial activities in Thailand and Vietnam. Prior to his recent post, Everest holds an extensive experience in Sales and Revenue Management, having been the Qantas Manager in Adelaide, South Australia and also having worked in Indonesia for four years as the Qantas Country Manager and in Singapore as Revenue Development manager for both Qantas and British Airways for an additional four years. Everest has a strong knowledge of the Asian region, which he will use to his advantage at his current post. “Thailand has been a strong market for Qantas, I look forward to propel our business forward with the dedicated partners,” says Everest.

GULF AIR LAUNCHES SPECIAL SUMMERPROMOTIONS FOR ‘FALCON GOLD’PASSENGERSBahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has launched a special summer promotion for its Falcon Gold passengers traveling from Bangkok to any destination across the airline’s network in the Gulf Countries, Middle East and Europe. Falcon Gold class promotional fares start from as Bt42,042 to Abu Dhabi, Bt44,265 THB to Amman, Jordan; and Bt70,540 to Frankfurt, Germany. Other destinations include Dubai, Muscat, Doha, Kuwait, Cairo, Beirut, Larnaca, Istanbul, Paris, and London. “To coincide with summer vacation plans, we are offering a limited-time promotion for premium class passengers offering more affordable fares to a range of popular holiday destinations. Gulf Air, with one of the largest Middle East networks, is well positioned to connect travelers to several key destinations in the region offering excellent connectivity, via Bahrain, to prominent cities in the Gulf, Middle East and Europe”, says Prasong Cherdchaikul, Gulf Air country manager. Tickets were made available for purchased until April 20 on www.gulfair.com or through a travel agent for travel until Aug. 12, 2013.

THAI’S A380-800 TOKYO FAN WEEK Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) recently organized “Tokyo Fan Week,” a promotional event supported by THAI’s route service to Tokyo. The event gave participants a chance to discover a new perspective on Japanese culture and uncover the heart and essence of modern Tokyo. Special offers from Tokyo Fan Week include: 1. Get Special Offer. Receive great deals, discounts or special gifts at more than 60 participating stores. 2. Rubber Stamp Hunt. Collect rubber stamps at designated locations and win special gifts at the Tokyo Fan Week desk. 3. Photo with Me. Have your photo taken by the “Photo with Me” badge-wearing staff and upload it on the Tokyo Fan Week site. Simply check out the account page at the information desk to receive a gift. 4. Friends and Family Shopping with Visa Campaign. Get special offers, win gift vouchers and receive draw entries when shopping with your VISA card. 5. Free Guided Tour. Explore the Omotesando- Harajuku neighborhood by joining a guided tour of special spots led by professionals in the area, or opt for the fashionistas’ course that runs through popular apparel stores. 6. Japanese Culture Experience. Get a taste of authentic Japanese traditions in Omotesando, with workshops for making Tokyo Ginki Silverware, Odo cut glass and more. 7. Get Free Wi-Fi Access in the Omotesando and Harajuku Area: Enjoy free Wi-Fi by joining OMO- FREE from the listed networks.

AIRBUS, GEDC JOIN FORCES TO ENCOURAGEDIVERSITY IN ENGINEERING CLASSROOMSWORLDWIDE European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, and leading global organization for engineering education GEDC (Global Engineering Deans Council), have opened the call for nominations for the inaugural GEDC Airbus Diversity Award. The initiative aims to reward individuals who have been pro-active in bringing more diversity into engineering classrooms around the world. The long-term aim is to ensure that the industry re� ects the diversity of the communities it supports. This means more balance between men and women, more diversity in social and cultural backgrounds, and equal opportunities for comparable skills for disabled people. The strong demand for engineers globally means that industries must attract and secure an increasingly diverse talent pool to continue to innovate and build the world of tomorrow. Sarah Rajala Dean of College of Engineering, Iowa State University and Chair of the GEDC, added, “The Award Committee is looking for initiatives which have delivered results and could be developed regionally or even globally. We hope that other institutions will take up the challenge to ensure that engineering graduates and professionals re� ect the society in which we live, work and teach.” Nominations will be accepted until May 31, 2013. The award will be presented during the GEDC Annual Conference in Chicago, USA in October 2013. The award recipient will bene� t from US$10,000 from Airbus to support the continuation of their work. Detai ls about the nomination process and requirements for participation are available at http://www.gedcouncil.org

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