Yangon International Airport opens new international terminal for operations

PRESS RELEASE BY YANGON AERODROME COMPANY LIMITED

new terminal

New international terminal, T1, incorporates facilities and architecture of international standards
Opening of T1 marks the first phase of Yangon International Airport's expansion to boost passenger handling capacity
YIA will be a key gateway for travelers coming to Myanmar for business and leisure; equipped to handle up to 20 million passengers per annum

YANGON - 12 March 2016 - Yangon Aerodrome Company Limited ("YACL") has opened the doors to Myanmar's newest international terminal ("T1") at Yangon International Airport ("YIA") ahead of schedule, marking a significant milestone in Myanmar's aviation history.

Officially opened this morning by President U Thein Sein, T1 paves the way for Myanmar to continue welcoming a rapidly growing number of business and leisure travelers to the country, in line with double digit growth in air passenger traffic over the last few years. With the expansion in capacity and continued integration of facilities, YIA is equipped to handle up to 20 million passengers per annum to cater for the future demand for air services.

Strategically located near Yangon City, T1 will be a key gateway into Myanmar. Built over a period of 23 months, the new T1 currently boasts a total GFA of approximately 100,000 sqm, comprising facilities and architecture to support airport operations and offer passengers a high-quality, engaging and relaxing setting to spend time while waiting for flights.

International Standard Facilities and Architecture

T1 incorporates approximately 35,000 sqm of retail outlets, F&B dining options and commercial space and 3,000 sqm of premium lounge space for passengers waiting to board their flights. At T1, travelers and airport visitors will get to enjoy a wide range of carefully curated shopping and dining options. The presence of highly reputable international brands will create vibrancy and deliver a unique shopping and dining experience for travelers and airport visitors.

A first in Myanmar, the new terminal will also feature a shopping mall for all members of the public, with a variety of restaurants and retail choices. Known as The Sky Mall located on the top floor of T1, the area is easily accessible using the Sky Link which is connected to the carpark.

With skylight openings, the roof panels in T1 allow optimal natural sunlight and warmth into the building. To promote an intuitive and open experience, T1 is also outfitted with a double-glazed glass facÌ§ade and clear interior barriers. This allows travelers and airport visitors to navigate the airport more easily and enjoy panoramic views of the external landscapes, as well as flight take-offs and landings.

Carpark space at the airport has also been boosted to meet traffic growth expected with the opening of T1. A new card system will also be deployed at the carpark to ensure smooth traffic flows.

New International Terminal, T1, operationally ready

As at today, T1 is operationally ready to serve flights and passengers, with Myanmar National Airlines being scheduled for the inaugural flight this month.

With Air Asia, Emirates Airlines and Hong Kong Express already launching flight routes to YIA, the airport will eventually employ up to 2,000 employees.

U Htun Myint Naing, one of Myanmar's pioneering businessmen, and Chairman of YACL and Founder of Asia World Company, said of the opening of T1:

"With the opening of the new terminal, this is another significant milestone in the aviation history of Myanmar, which will open up plenty of opportunities. T1 will provide our passengers with international standards of service and quality experiences."

Yangon International Airport's Development

The opening of T1 is part of the first phase of YIA's development to handle greater passenger capacity as Myanmar continues to undergo economic reforms which is expected to increase the demand for aviation services.

YIA's expansion will comprise three phases - in Phase 1, T1 will be operational in March 2016, while works for a new Domestic Terminal have already begun. Phase 2 will see an extension to the current T1, as well as the construction of a VIP and CIP Terminal. In the last Phase, T1 will be further expanded and a multi-storey carpark is also included in the plans.

On top of that, plans for an airport city are being conceptualized. The future airport city will further boost Myanmar's attractiveness as a travel destination with facilities and amenities close to the airport. These facilities may include hospitality, commercial and retail developments.

A Showcase of Myanmar's Capabilities in Infrastructure

The construction of T1 showcases the capabilities of local businesses and its people. Through this milestone project, local businesses were given the opportunity to develop critical proficiencies by working on and handling such a large-scale project and incorporating cutting-edge construction methodologies that are internationally recognized. In addition, there was significant transfer of knowledge and technical skillsets amongst local workers and professional consultants who worked hand-in-hand to construct this terminal. Relevant training was also provided to ensure that workers adhered to stringent safety and quality protocols.

T1 was mainly built by home-bred companies with up to 4,000 project managers, engineers and employees on-site at its peak, of which 80% were local.

The opening of T1 will also mean that up to 600 immediate new jobs will be created at this new facility, which will serve to further enhance and cultivate overall skillsets and know-how in the local aviation sector.