Asian carrier Myanmar National Airlines has celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 leased from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the commercial aircraft leasing arm of GE, as it becomes the first carrier in the country to receive a brand new Boeing jet.

Myanmar National Airlines, previously Myanma Airways, has the most extensive route network within Myanmar, serving more than 25 local locations, and is headquartered in Yangon. Founded in 1948 as Union of Burma Airways, the flag carrier is also one of Asia's pioneering airlines.

The new aircraft, the first to feature Myanmar National Airlines' new livery and interior, will enable the 67 year old airline to expand its wings into international markets. It initially plans to launch flights to Singapore from August 2015 with additional foreign destinations joining its network from early 2016.

"Our new 737 will allow us to expand our network to international markets and offer an even better experience for our passengers," said Than Tun, chief executive officer, Myanmar National Airlines. "Investing in new technology aircraft such as the 737 will ensure Myanmar National Airlines continues to be the pride of the country and positions us for future success."

This will be the first of ten new Boeing 737s due to be delivered to Myanmar National Airlines over the coming years. In February 2014, then flying under its former guise Myanma Airways, the carrier placed a firm commitment with lessor GECAS to acquire six 737-800s and four future generation 737MAX airliners. The $960 million deal was the largest commercial sale by a US company to Myanmar in decades and the largest single aircraft order in the country’s long aviation history.

Analysis of OAG Schedules Analyser data shows that around a quarter of Myanmar National Airlines’ seat capacity this month is from its main base at Yangon International Airport (23.5 per cent share of its network capacity), although it also has a notable presence at Mandalay International Airport (11.3 per cent share), Heho Airport (9.7 per cent) and Dawei Airport (8.4 per cent share).

With international growth now on the cards we look more closely at the largest O&D markets from/to Myanmar. According to Sabre Airport Data Intelligence data, Thailand was the largest foreign market from/to the country by passenger demand in 2014 with just over 1.4 million bi-directional annual passengers, ahead of Singapore, China and Malaysia. The United States is the largest market outside of Asia with just under 65,000 annual passengers, while France is the second largest with just over 40,000 passengers in 2014.