Military leader Min Aung Hlaing sent Nyo Saw as his representative to attend the ASEAN-China Economic and Investment Summit Forum, but denied him the use of the MAI special aircraft reserved for Min Aung Hlaing and his family, instead requiring him to travel to China using a Fokker 70 aircraft, according to military sources in Naypyidaw. On September 14, when Nyo Saw departed from Naypyidaw to Nanning, China to attend the 22nd China-ASEAN Trade Fair and China-ASEAN Economic and Investment Summit Forum on Min Aung Hlaing’s behalf, he was only permitted to use the military’s Fokker 70 aircraft.
According to military sources in Naypyidaw, while the Fokker 70 aircraft is suitable for short-distance flights such as those to Thailand, it is highly uncomfortable for long-distance routes like Yangon-Nanning, particularly for six-hour flights. The source also noted that the MAI special aircraft offers better safety features for long-distance flights compared to the Fokker 70. It was highlighted as particularly noteworthy that while Min Aung Hlaing uses the MAI special aircraft for his own travel, he refused to allow Nyo Saw the same privilege. The MAI special aircraft is described as being reserved exclusively for Min Aung Hlaing and his family’s use, similar to an Air Force One arrangement.
Min Aung Hlaing appointed Nyo Saw as government Prime Minister on July 31, and Nyo Saw refers to Min Aung Hlaing as the head of state in government meetings. On February 11, 2023, Min Aung Hlaing permanently purchased the Airbus A319-115 (MSN 5193) aircraft XY-ALK from AVIATION CAPITAL GROUP in the United States, which had previously been leased for his and his family’s exclusive use. The aircraft operates under the MAI name for international trips. Additionally, the interior of this aircraft has been customized according to Min Aung Hlaing’s personal preferences.
