UMTA requests permit to keep running non-landing sightseeing flight tour

After the successful launch of non-landing sightseeing flight tour, the Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA) has called for a permit to continue the flight tour, said U Naung Naung Han, chairman of UMTA. On 20 December, Myanmar National Airlines successfully operated non-landing sightseeing flight tour with Yangon-Kyaikhtiyo- Hpa-an-Yangon schedule by flying low with ATR-72. Passengers can enjoy the beautiful landscape and scenic view of Hpa-an in Kayin State and the famous pilgrim site, Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda in Mon State. After the successful pilot project, the UMTA asked to continue the tour plan. “We have sought a permit for that non-landing sightseeing tour.

The travellers are interested in taking sightseeing flights. They have registered their names, and they are ready to book the tour,” said U Naung Naung Han. The average capacity of the aircraft is 72 passengers in non-landing sightseeing flight tour. However, the maximum number of passengers on board is just over 50 per the Department of Civil Aviation regulations. A ticket costs K90,000 for a window seat and K60,000 for an aisle seat. Additionally, all the travellers must present COVID-19 test certificate with the negative result before boarding. The travellers do not need to be quarantined after the trip as they do not land anywhere except Yangon Airport. Myanmar’s tourism industry has been suspended for about nine months amid the COVID-19 crisis. Some tour agencies did not survive from the pandemic impacts.

Therefore, to revive the industry, we cannot expect tourists to focus on inbound tour with local travellers first, he highlighted. “The association is trying to seek a permit for this tour. Low flying has aviation rules for safety,” U Naung Naung Han said. The UMTA stated that they would schedule a new trip plan upon the positive review of this sightseeing flight tour. The UMTA has conducted cruise tour along Yangon River beyond the non-landing sightseeing flight tour. They will continue to create other road trip plans as well. Myanmar’s tourism industry has halted since the first coronavirus case in late March 2020.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

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