MIAT Mongolian Airlines

MIAT Mongolian Airlines
IATA ICAO Callsign
OM MGL MONGOL AIR
Founded1956 (1956)
Commenced operationsJuly 7, 1956; 67 years ago (1956-07-07)
HubsChinggis Khaan International Airport
Frequent-flyer programBlue Sky Mongolia
Fleet size7
Destinations21[1]
HeadquartersUlaanbaatar, Mongolia
Key people
  • Munkhtamir Batbayar (CEO) & Chairman
  • Gantulga Baasanjav (COO)
  • Tsegts Narangerel (CFO)
  • Batdari Namhaijantsan (CCO)
  • Munkhmaral Enkhbaatar (CAO)
Employees900
Websitewww.miat.com

MIAT Mongolian Airlines (/ˈmæt, -ɑːt/; Mongolian: Монголын Иргэний Агаарын Тээвэр (МИАТ), romanized: Mongoliin Irgenii Agaariin Teewer (MIAT), lit.'Mongolian Civil Air Transport', pronounced [mɔɴɢɞ̜̆ˈɮʲiŋ irgɪ̆ˈɲi aˈʁaˑɾiŋ ˈtʰeˑw̜ɪr (ˈmʲæʰt)]) is the state-owned national airline of Mongolia, headquartered in the MIAT Building in the country's capital of Ulaanbaatar.[2] The airline operates scheduled services from its base at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Sergelen, near Ulaanbaatar.[3]

History[edit]

A former MIAT Boeing 727-200 in Beijing in 1995
A former MIAT Airbus A310-300 in Moscow in 2007

Foundations[edit]

The start of aviation in Mongolia is attributed to 25 May 1925, when a Junkers F 13 given by the USSR to the Mongolian People's Republic landed in Ulaanbaatar. In 1946, the Civil Air Transport Department (Mongolian: Иргэний агаарын тээврийн тасаг) started operations with 8 aircraft. It conducted direct flights from Ulaanbaatar to nearby provinces Selenge, Bulgan, Arkhangai, Övörkhangai, Khentii, Sükhbaatar, Dornod and performed limited charter and unscheduled airmail flights to the more isolated provinces.[4]

Regular services[edit]

The first batch of Mongolian flight crew for Antonov An-2 operations were sent to Irkutsk for training in 1955, graduating the next year and paving the way for regular domestic services. Regular flights started on 7 July 1956 using an Antonov An-2 from Ulaanbaatar to Irkutsk. The Ilyushin Il-14 was introduced in 1957,[5] and by 1958, MIAT had a fleet of 14 Antonov An-2 and 7 Ilyushin Il-14 aircraft.[4]

The first Antonov An-24 turboprop aircraft was received in 1964.[5] An-26 twin turboprops were also obtained in the era.

By 1970, the airline was conducting services to 130 separate airfields in the country, with 4-6 flights a week from Ulaanbaatar to province centers (accounting for 70% of passengers), and 2-3 flights a week from province centers to sum centers.[4]

In 1987 it started regular international operations to Moscow, Irkutsk, and Beijing (opening representative offices in the three cities) with its first jet aircraft, a Tupolev Tu-154 on lease from Aeroflot.[4]

Post-communist era[edit]

In 1992, MIAT bought five Chinese Harbin Y-12 commuter aircraft for domestic flights. The same year, the president of the Hanjin Group (parent of Korean Air) gave a Boeing 727-200 to the airline, with two more acquired in subsequent years. These three aircraft were used until 2003.[6] In 1993, MIAT was made into an independent state-owned enterprise.[4]

International operations outside of the Soviet Union and China started in 1995 with regular flights to Seoul, followed by flights to Berlin and Osaka in 1996.[5]

An Airbus A310 was leased in 1998, becoming MIAT's first Airbus plane.

The 1990s were a spotty era in MIAT's safety record, with four crashes of An-2, An-24, And Harbin Y-12 aircraft involving 139 fatalities. The last fatal crash was in 1998.[7]

A Boeing 737 was leased in 2002 to replace the aging 727-200 fleet, and the same year flights to Tokyo were introduced.[5]

Between 2003 and 2008, MIAT's An-24 and An-26 fleet was gradually retired. In April 2008, MIAT received its second Boeing 737-800 aircraft on lease from CIT Aerospace.[8] In July 2008, MIAT ended scheduled domestic flights completely, briefly resuming scheduled domestic flights to Mörön and Khovd in June 2009.[citation needed]

In late 2009, MIAT flew charter flights to Hong Kong and Sanya, a popular resort city in Hainan, China. In June 2010, the airline's flights were brought to a halt due to a mechanics' strike. However, the situation was resolved with the replacement of the CEO and Technical Director.

In early 2011, MIAT signed an agreement with Air Lease Corporation to lease two former China Eastern Boeing 767-300ERs until 2013. The first aircraft entered service in May 2011 with the second following in November 2011.[9] In 2011 the Airbus A310 was retired after serving MIAT Mongolian Airlines for 13 years.

All-Boeing fleet[edit]

In June 2011, MIAT began regular flights to Hong Kong. The company also ordered three aircraft, a Boeing 767-300ER and two Boeing 737-800s, to be delivered in 2013 and 2016 respectively.[10][11] The order marks the first time in two decades that MIAT has chosen to expand its fleet by purchasing new aircraft straight from the manufacturer rather than leasing them.

In January 2019, MIAT announced flights to Shanghai and Guangzhou in China to start from summer of 2019.[12] In addition, it announced the leasing of 3 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to be delivered in January, May, and October 2019, thereby replacing two of its aircraft whose leases were due to expire in 2019,[13] together with the implementation of a self-checkin system.

In 2019, it was announced that MIAT had acquired a Boeing 787-9 on lease from Air Lease Corporation, to be delivered in 2021.[14] This was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a modified order of 2 Boeing 787-9 to be delivered starting in 2023, with flights being planned to Shanghai-Pudong, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore, and San Francisco.[15]

Pandemic and post-pandemic[edit]

During the COVID-19 pandemic on 21 June 2020, MIAT performed the first non-stop flight (for repatriation and aid purposes) between Mongolia and North America in history with a Boeing 767-300 flown between Ulaanbaatar and Seattle.[citation needed] It performed similar repatriation and charter services during the pandemic to Sydney[16] and Johannesburg,[17] flying to the continents of Australia and Africa for the first time.

In October 2022, MIAT became the first carrier to fly a Boeing 737-MAX into China after the latter's flight regulator grounded all 737 MAX aircraft in March 2019.[citation needed]

Starting June 2023, MIAT resumed its domestic operations, with flights to 7 new destinations in Mongolia as well as restarting flights to Khovd and Mörön after 15 years. This was done in line with the government's program of '2023-2025 – The Years to Visit Mongolia' with the goal of promoting and supporting tourism in Mongolia.[18] As part of this change, MIAT wet-leased a CRJ-200 from CemAir and a Boeing 767.[19][20]

In August 2023, MIAT announced the arrival of its first Boeing 787, to be used to initially fly routes to Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Seoul.[21]

Destinations[edit]

As of October 2023, MIAT Mongolian Airlines serves the following destinations.[22]

Country City Airport Notes Refs
China Beijing Beijing Capital International Airport [22]
Guangzhou Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport [22]
Germany Frankfurt Frankfurt Airport [22]
Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong International Airport [22]
Japan Osaka Kansai International Airport [22]
Tokyo Narita International Airport [22]
Mongolia Altai Altai Airport [20]
Bayankhongor Bayankhongor Airport [20]
Choibalsan Choibalsan Airport [20]
Dalanzadgad Dalanzadgad Airport [20]
Khovd Khovd Airport [20]
Mörön Mörön Airport [20]
Ölgii Ölgii Airport [20]
Ulaanbaatar Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport Airport Closed [22]
Chinggis Khaan International Airport Hub [22]
Ulaangom Ulaangom Airport [20]
Uliastai Donoi Airport [20]
South Korea Busan Gimhae International Airport [22]
Seoul Incheon International Airport [22]
Thailand Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport [22]
Phuket Phuket International Airport [22]
Turkey Istanbul Istanbul Airport [22]
Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport Seasonal [22][23]

Codeshare agreements[edit]

MIAT Mongolian Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:

Fleet[edit]

MIAT Boeing 737-800
MIAT Boeing 737 MAX 8
MIAT Boeing 767-300ER
MIAT Mongolian Airlines Boeing 787-9
MIAT Boeing 787-9

Current fleet[edit]

As of March 2024, MIAT Mongolian Airlines operates an all-Boeing fleet consisting of the following aircraft:[29][30]

MIAT Mongolian Airlines fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passengers Notes
C W Y Total
Boeing 737-800 3 12 150 162
156 168
162 174
Boeing 737 MAX 8 1 3[31] 12 150 162
Boeing 767-300ER 1 15 237 252 To be retired.[citation needed]
Boeing 787-9 1 1[32] 30 36 226 292
MIAT Mongolian Airlines Cargo fleet
Boeing 757-200PCF[33] 1 Cargo
Total 7 4

Former fleet[edit]

MIAT has previously operated a variety of aircraft types, including:[34]

Pre-1990 era[edit]

Modern era[edit]

Accidents and incidents[edit]

MIAT Mongolian Airlines has suffered the following incidents and accidents since commencing operations:[36]

  • 4 August 1963: Avia 14 Super MONGOL-105 crashed into the side of Otgontenger Mountain; there were no survivors.[37]
  • 17 September 1973: Antonov An-24B BNMAU-4206 crashed into the side of a mountain in Hovd Province of Mongolia during descent.[38]
  • 1 May 1979: Antonov An-24B BNMAU-1202 ran off the runway on landing at Erdenet Airport.[39]
  • 31 October 1981: PZL-Mielec An-2R MONGOL-613 crashed in Sukhbaatar Province.[40]
  • 25 June 1983: Antonov An-24RV BNMAU-8401 ran off the runway on landing at Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport, collapsing the right landing gear and rolling over; all 47 on board survived. The aircraft had suffered engine failure on final approach and had been losing altitude.[41]
  • April 1985: Antonov An-24RV BNMAU-10207 reportedly crashed on approach to an airport in Khovsgol Province; the wreck was reportedly seen at Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport in 1995.[42]
  • 1985: Antonov An-24RV BNMAU-10210 force-landed in Khovsgol Province after both engines were shut down by mistake during a steep approach; the aircraft was written off.[43]
  • 23 January 1987: Antonov An-24RV BNMAU-7710 crashed on landing at Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport; there were no casualties.[44]
  • 26 January 1990: Antonov An-24RV BNMAU-10208 force-landed near Ulaangom Airport after the pilot failed to locate the airport at night; all 41 on board survived.[45]
  • 5 December 1992: Harbin Y-12 II D-0066 crashed on takeoff from Choibalsan Airport.[46]
  • 23 April 1993: Antonov An-26 BNMAU-14102 struck the side of Marz Mountain during descent into Ölgii Airport en route from Ulaanbaatar after the crew began descending too soon, killing all 32 on board; wreckage was found on 7 May 1993.[47]
  • 21 September 1995: Flight 557,[48] an Antonov An-24RV (BNMAU-10103) struck a mountain near Choho Geologoh Uul during approach to Mörön Airport en route from Ulaanbaatar after the crew descended too soon; of the 43 on board, only a passenger survived. The accident remains the deadliest in Mongolia.[49]
  • 10 June 1997: Flight 447,[50] a Harbin Y-12-II (JU-1020), lost control and crashed after encountering windshear while on final approach to Mandalgobi Airport, killing seven of 12 on board.[51]
  • 26 May 1998: Harbin Y-12 JU-1017 crashed into a mountain near Erdenet due to pilot error, killing all 28 passengers and crew on board.[citation needed]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ miat.com - Route map retrieved 23 November 2021
  2. ^ "Contact Us Archived 2013-01-12 at the Wayback Machine." MIAT Mongolian Airlines. Retrieved on June 27, 2010. "MIAT building, Buyant-Ukhaa 45 Ulaanbaatar 210134, Mongolia"
  3. ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 2007-04-10. p. 50.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Монголын Агаарын хүчин үүссэн түүх :: www.touristinfocenter.mn". www.touristinfocenter.mn. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  5. ^ a b c d "MIAT Mongolian Airlines: Бидний тухай :: МИАТ ХК: Түүхэн замнал". www.miat.com. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  6. ^ "MIAT Mongolian Airlines: Техникийн хөгжил :: Boeing 727". www.miat.com (in Mongolian). Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  7. ^ "MIAT Mongolian Airlines". SeatMaestro. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  8. ^ "History". Archived from the original on 29 October 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  9. ^ "МИАТ ХК-ийн түрээслэн авч буй Боинг 767 онгоцны танилцуулга" (in Mongolian). 2011-06-10. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  10. ^ "Boeing Celebrates 8,888th Order for the 737 Family". 2011-06-21. Archived from the original on 9 September 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  11. ^ "Боинг компаниас онгоц худалдан авах гэрээнд гарын үсэг зурлаа". 2011-06-21. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  12. ^ A, Tuguldur (2 January 2019). "Зуны нислэгийн хуваарьт Шанхай, Гуанжу чиглэлийн нислэгүүд нэмэгдэнэ". Ikon.mn. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  13. ^ B, Jargalmaa (2 January 2019). "МИАТ 2019 онд "Boeing 737 МAX-8" загварын ГУРВАН онгоц түрээсэлнэ". Ikon.mn. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  14. ^ "MIAT - Mongolian Airlines secures one B787-9". ch-aviation. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  15. ^ "Mongolia's MIAT to take first B787-9 in 2Q23". ch-aviation. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  16. ^ "МИАТ-ийн онгоц Австрали, Филиппинээс 262 иргэнээ суулган, Улаанбаатарын зүг хөөрлөө". itoim.mn (in Mongolian). Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  17. ^ iKon.mn, А. Намуун (2021-04-23). "МИАТ компани Африк тив рүү анх удаа нислэг үйлдлээ". ikon.mn. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  18. ^ "МИАТ орон нутгийн найман чиглэлд 6-р сарын 30-наас шууд нислэг үйлдэхээр боллоо". MONTSAME News Agency (in Mongolian). Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  19. ^ "Mongolia's MIAT adds wet-leased CRJ200, B767". ch-aviation. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Ooluun B. (2023-07-02). "MIAT Conducting Scheduled Flights to Domestic Destinations with Reduced Price". Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  21. ^ "АНУ, Австрали, Сингапур улс руу "В787-9" агаарын хөлгөөр нислэг үйлдэнэ". mongolia.gov.mn (in Mongolian). 2023-08-11. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Route map". miat.com.
  23. ^ "MIAT adds Ulaanbaatar - Ho Chi Minh City service from late Dec-2023". aeroroutes.com. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  24. ^ "Datamonitor Healthcare - Pharma intelligence". Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  25. ^ "Cathay Pacific announces new codeshare agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines". Archived from the original on 5 October 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  26. ^ "JAL Group - PRESS RELEASES - Japan Airlines and MIAT Mongolian Airlines Agree on Codeshare Partnership Effective March 31, 2020". press.jal.co.jp. 5 February 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  27. ^ "Korean Air/MIAT Mongolian Airlines launch codeshare". Routesonline. 19 March 2010.
  28. ^ "TURKISH AIRLINES / MIAT MONGOLIAN BEGINS CODESHARE SERVICE IN JAN 2023". Aeroroutes. 9 January 2023.
  29. ^ "Airplanes". miat.com. 24 March 2024.
  30. ^ "MIAT - Mongolian Airlines Fleet Details and History". planespotters.net. 24 March 2024.
  31. ^ "MIAT Mongolian Airlines adds first B737 MAX 8".
  32. ^ "Mongolia's MIAT to take first B787-9 in 2Q23". ch-aviation. 22 February 2023.
  33. ^ "MIAT Mongolian Airlines adds first B757-200(PCF)". Ch-Aviation. 28 July 2022.
  34. ^ "MIAT Mongolian Airlines". Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  35. ^ "Mongolia's MIAT ends B737-700 operations". Ch-Aviation.
  36. ^ Harro Ranter. "Aviation Safety Network > ASN Aviation Safety Database > Operator index > Mongolia > MIAT - Mongolian Airlines". Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  37. ^ Accident description for MT-105 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2014-8-17.
  38. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-4206 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2014-8-17.
  39. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-1202 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2014-8-17.
  40. ^ Accident description for MT-613 at the Aviation Safety Network
  41. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-8401 at the Aviation Safety Network
  42. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-10207 at the Aviation Safety Network
  43. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-10210 at the Aviation Safety Network
  44. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-7710 at the Aviation Safety Network
  45. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-10208 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2014-8-17.
  46. ^ Accident description for D-0066 at the Aviation Safety Network
  47. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-14102 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2014-8-17.
  48. ^ "Crash of an Antonov AN-24RV in Mörön: 42 killed". Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives.
  49. ^ Accident description for BNMAU-10103 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2014-8-17.
  50. ^ "Crash of a Harbin Yunshuji Y-12 in Mandalgov: 7 killed". Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives.
  51. ^ Accident description for JU-1020 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2014-8-17.

External links[edit]

Media related to MIAT Mongolian Airlines at Wikimedia Commons