A new Yangon-Pathein-Yangon flight began its maiden trip from Yangon to Pathein in Ayeyawady Region yesterday, state media reported.

The aircraft landed in Pathein Airport in the evening where its passengers and crew were welcomed by Ayeyawady Region Chief Minister U Hla Moe Aung, the regional Hluttaw Speaker, regional ministers and department officials.

The Chief Minister said the Yangon-Pathein air route supports his region’s development. It takes 4 hours from Pathein to Yangon by car, therefore a direct flight will get tourists and business persons to their destination in a much shorter time, he said.

The new air route will employ an ATR 72-600 72-seater aircraft from Myanmar National Airlines and is operated by International Travel Asia Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Asia World.