Myanmar military acquired French aircraft through cronies, foreign companies: report

A new report by Justice for Myanmar reveals how the military has been able to purchase and maintain French-made ATR planes despite sanctions. The report released on Thursday details how the regime has deployed the planes, manufactured by Franco-Italian company Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), in military operations throughout Myanmar since seizing power more than three years ago. These turboprop aircraft are employed to transport troops, arms, and supplies into combat zones, as well as for surveillance and reconnaissance. They have been instrumental in missions involving war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to JFM. The report identifies several companies close to the junta that have helped in acquiring and maintaining these aircraft, including Miya Win International, KT Group, International Gateways Group, 24 Hour Group, Htoo Group, and the junta-controlled Myanmar National Airlines. Mingalar Aviation, formerly known as Air KBZ, “plays a key role in the Myanmar air force’s ATR fleet through the procurement and leasing of five ATR aircraft,” according to the JFM report. It is owned by 24 Hour Group, which also owns Myanmar Airways International (MAI). In March of this year, MAI acquired an ATR 72-600 aircraft previously in service with Australian airline Virgin Australia, “despite the growing public evidence of MAI and 24 Hour Group’s links to the junta,” the report said. Still images from a video posted on TikTok shows junta soldiers being transported in an ATR plane (JFM) JFM’s report cites evidence of private Myanmar military arms brokers and commercial airlines transferring ATR aircraft to the military, often concealing the end user to evade sanctions. It also notes the involvement of European, US, Israeli, and Singaporean companies in providing parts and maintenance services. This report follows a January warning by the US State Department, advising caution for companies dealing with Myanmar’s aviation sector due to its connection with military operations. The advisory highlighted the military's use of ATR aircraft for logistics. JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung condemned the situation, stating, “It is unacceptable that the Myanmar military has been able to acquire ATR aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services while committing genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity with impunity.” She urged governments to act urgently to prevent the Myanmar air force from using the ATR aircraft in its brutal attacks on civilians, including children, schools, clinics, and communities.

Myanmar military acquired French aircraft through cronies, foreign companies: report

A new report by Justice for Myanmar reveals how the regime has been able to purchase and maintain French-made ATR planes despite sanctions

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