Airbus taps Myanmar’s tourism

YANGON, 27 August 2014: Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia says Airbus hopes to sell or lease helicopters to tourism service operators in Myanmar.

Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia vice president, Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff, told local media that Airbus hopes to supply helicopters for sightseeing trips similar to what is offered by hot air balloons at Bagan.

“Helicopter rides for tourists can succeed just like Myanmar’s popular hot air balloon services, with guests booking through hotels and travel agencies,” he said.

The firm is trying to sell its EC225 helicopters, which can fly 200 km per hour and accommodate seven passengers.

Myanmar Airways International general manager, Daw Aye Mra Tha, said the growth in tourism is promising.

Cham Halal tour“This type of service will benefit,  not just tourism, but also business travellers, medical evacuations and survey trips,” she said.
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, is part of the European aerospace firm Airbus Group. It has a fleet of 12,000 helicopters worldwide in about 150 countries that it leases out and rents to service providers.

Sourced: ttrweekly.com