September 10, 2024
Justice For Myanmar (JFM) has called for international sanctions on Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) due to its involvement in supporting the military junta. In a statement released on September 9, JFM highlighted how the national airline, controlled by the junta since the February 2021 coup, has been used for military purposes, including transporting troops and equipment.
JFM reported that MNA’s ATR aircraft have been repurposed for military logistics, pointing to an incident in April 2024 where the airline’s planes were used to repatriate soldiers and equipment fleeing a battle with the KNU and PDF forces in Myawaddy.
Additionally, JFM emphasized that most of MNA’s pilots are former military officers, with close ties to top military leaders. One of MNA’s former directors, Lin Htet, is related to former air force commander Maung Maung Kyaw, and has been involved in both civilian and military aviation sectors.
Several ATR aircraft from MNA’s fleet have been transferred to the Myanmar Air Force over the years, including two ATR 72-500 planes used for VIP military flights. Other aircraft, such as an ATR 42-320, have been modified for maritime patrol purposes.
JFM urged international governments to impose sanctions on MNA and other state-owned enterprises controlled by the junta, in order to cut off their economic lifelines and stop the military’s continued atrocities.
