Myanmar's first and only Civil Aviation Development Conference

Sphere Conferences, the conference arm of Singapore Press Holdings Limited (SPH), today launched Myanmar's first and only aviation conference, the Myanmar Civil Aviation Development Conference (MCADC) 2014, at the Traders Hotel in Yangon, from March 24 to 26. The event is supported by the Ministry of Transport, Myanmar as the patron and the Department of Civil Aviation, Myanmar as the official host.

The three-day event attracts over 250 airport operators, regulators, senior airlines executives and key aviation stakeholders from across 20 countries. MCADC 2014 provides the platform for discussions and debates on the potential growth plans for Myanmar's airlines and airports as the country poises to enter a major period of growth.

The conference covers key areas of aviation, ranging from regulations and the financial landscape, airport-airline strategic stakeholder partnerships, redefining passenger experience with IT, airport safety and security, fleet management to the future of the aviation sector and its potential.

U Tin Naing Tun, Director General, Department of Civil Aviation, Myanmar, said: "We are delighted to be the official host for the first aviation conference in Myanmar, organised by Sphere Conferences. Myanmar has the ingredients to become Asia's next hottest tourist destination but this cannot be achieved without infrastructure. Hosting the conference in Myanmar is ideal given the growth opportunities and potential of the Myanmar's aviation market due to the growing demand for air travel. We look forward to meet, share knowledge and establish businesses with the industry peers during the event."

One of the key highlights of the MCADC 2014 is the keynote plenary sessions featuring H.E U Nyan Htun Aung, Union Minister, Ministry of Transport, Myanmar and U Tin Naing Tun, Director General, Department of Civil Aviation, Myanmar, where the opportunities and the new aviation master plan for Myanmar will be shared.

Mr Chua Wee Phong, Chairman, Sphere Conferences, said: "With more than 30 airports that are open to leisure and business travellers, Myanmar's booming aviation industry signals strong demand for expertise and opportunities for investments from around the world. At MCADC 2014, we offer networking opportunities with civil aviation authorities and senior level aviation stakeholders, engaging panel discussions and successful case studies for aviation leaders to exchange ideas and collaborate in achieving greater success."

The importance of the Myanmar market is made evident by the presence of the region's key aviation names like Myanmar Airways International, Pioneer Aerodrome Services, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Air KBZ, Air Mandalay, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, SilkAir, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad, AirAsia Berhad, Narita International Airport Corporation, Nok Air, ACI, IATA, CANSO. The aviation leaders shared expert insights and experiences in the hope of helping shape the aviation sector in Myanmar.

IATA is the official industry partner for the event. "This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of commercial aviation. From carrying one passenger using one aircraft on one route, the industry today carries 3.3 billion passengers annually and over 50 million tonnes of cargo. Aviation is a catalyst for economic development, supporting 57 million jobs and $2.2 trillion in economic activity. It can play a similar role in Myanmar. Effective dialogue between key stakeholders and adopting global best practices will be critical. We look forward to working with the government to building a strong aviation industry in Myanmar," said Conrad Clifford, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific, IATA.

U Si Thu, Managing Director, Myanmar Airways International (MAI), said: "With traffic boom, the Myanmar government sets about building infrastructure and develop expertise, MAI will continue to maintain its highest goal to keep 100 per cent safety and accident free from its operation as well as reaching beyond its borders for code-sharing and global alliances. MCADC 2014 is definitely a great platform which offers tremendous opportunities for MAI to enhance our cooperation with international stakeholders."

Pioneer Aerodrome Services Co. Ltd, the airport operator for Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw airports of Myanmar, is one of the platinum sponsors for MCADC 2014. Sulaiman Zainul Abidin, Chief Operating Officer, Pioneer Aerodrome Services, said: "In recent years, Myanmar has experienced positive interest with regards to inbound tourism and also from the business communities. In aviation terms, a 26.5 per cent increase in international arrivals signals a significant surge in passenger movements. With the demands of air travel expected to grow, there is an urgent need for airports to increase capacity and upgrade current infrastructure. I am confident that through the sharing of best practices and exchanging of ideas during this event, it will help drive professional excellence in airport management and operations."

Air transport communications and IT specialist, SITA is a platinum sponsor for the event. Mr Ilya Gutlin, President, SITA Asia-Pacific, sand: "SITA is happy to support the MCADC 2014. Over the past ten years, SITA has contributed significantly to widespread efficiency improvements of Myanmar aviation, exceeding their passenger and operational expectations. This event is an excellent platform to engage with Department of Civil Aviation as we continue to grow the aviation sector."