According to a military council directive, terrorist military leader Min Aung Hlaing has permanently acquired the military-owned Airbus aircraft that he has been using for his foreign trips. The directive issued on February 11 this year states that the Airbus A319-115 (MSN 5193) aircraft XY-ALK, which was leased from AVIATION CAPITAL GROUP in the United States under a drawback customs system for use by Myanmar Airways International (MAI), will no longer be re-exported but will be purchased for domestic use. The directive also indicates that income tax and commercial tax exemptions have been granted for this purchase.
Although the aircraft is registered under MAI’s name, military sources confirm that it is actually a military-owned aircraft exclusively used for Min Aung Hlaing’s trips and his family’s travel. The aircraft is registered under MAI’s name because military aircraft face difficulties obtaining permissions for international flights and landing rights at international airports. Using MAI’s civilian registration makes it easier to operate international flights. Min Aung Hlaing primarily uses this newly purchased MAI Airbus for his trips to Russia and China. Additionally, he uses the military special aircraft Fokker 70 (F-28-0070) with registration number 002 for trips to Thailand and other shorter international destinations. His family members have been using both aircraft as needed for their foreign trips. It has been confirmed that Min Aung Hlaing’s wife Kyu Kyu, children, and grandchildren used the MAI Airbus aircraft during their visit to Singapore in previous years.
The military council’s acquisition of this aircraft demonstrates their continued misuse of state resources and attempts to circumvent international restrictions through civilian front organizations. The aircraft, which was previously operated under lease terms, will now be permanently owned by the military, though still maintaining its civilian registration to facilitate international travel. This arrangement highlights the military council’s strategic use of civilian aviation registrations to maintain their international mobility despite growing international isolation. The MAI airline, which was formerly owned by KBZ’s U Aung Ko Win, is now owned by U Aung Aung Zaw, the chairman of the 24 Hour Company Group, though the military maintains significant control over its operations and assets.
