New investigation exposes companies supporting the Myanmar air force as it commits war crimes and crimes against humanity with impunity

Justice For Myanmar has uncovered a global network of companies that have enabled the Myanmar military to acquire and operate at least ten French-manufactured Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) aircraft from 2013 onwards.

The military has used the aircraft to transport troops and arms used in its commission of international crimes, and for surveillance and reconnaissance.

The investigation reveals that international companies, private military arms brokers and commercial airlines have transferred ATR aircraft to the military, in some cases hiding the end user in an apparent attempt to evade sanctions.

Myanmar and international companies have also assisted the military through the procurement of parts and the provision of maintenance services.

Companies operating out of the European Union (EU) – including ATR and Sabena Technics in France, and Axis Flight Simulation Systems in Austria – enabled the continuing flight operations of the military’s ATR aircraft by ensuring repairs of core components, supplying key parts and spares, and enabling the training of Myanmar air force pilots to fly the ATR aircraft.

This business has taken place despite the EU restrictive measures on Myanmar in place during the period investigated and strengthened in 2018.

Companies in Singapore have enabled the continuing flight operations of ATR aircraft in Myanmar by supplying key parts and spares, including after the military’s coup attempt.

Air KBZ (now Mingalar Aviation), owned by the crony 24 Hour Group, has played a central role, transferring two ATR aircraft to the air force and allowing arms broker International Gateways Group to use its name to procure two more ATRs from Vietnam Airlines before the military’s coup attempt.

Air KBZ has also leased at least two ATR aircraft from the military for commercial use, providing it with a source of revenue.

The military-linked crony conglomerate KT Group has brokered the acquisition of two ATR aircraft for the military, through its British Virgin Islands subsidiary MWG Limited.

Other ATR aircraft have been provided by the crony conglomerate Htoo Group, which has additionally provided maintenance for at least six of the air force’s ATRs.

Justice For Myanmar calls on governments to urgently block the Myanmar air force and its brokers from accessing spare and replacement parts, receiving flight crew and maintenance training, and accessing instructions needed for the continuing airworthiness of its ATR aircraft.

Targeted and coordinated sanctions should be extended to all Myanmar companies supporting the military’s ATR fleet, including 24 Hour Group, KT Group, International Gateways Group and Htoo Group.

Existing measures should be enforced for past and ongoing direct and indirect breaches.

International companies should halt all business with Myanmar arms brokers and civilian airline companies that have supported the Myanmar military.

Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung says: “It is unacceptable that the Myanmar military has been able to acquire ATR aircraft, spare parts and maintenance services over many years while committing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity with total impunity.

“The junta is now using these aircraft to transport troops and weapons for its nationwide campaign of terror, supporting indiscriminate attacks on civilians that amount to war crimes.

“ATR and other international companies have failed in their human rights responsibilities by not conducting adequate due diligence to prevent their products from being used by the Myanmar military.

“Governments need to take urgent action to ensure that the Myanmar air force can no longer make use of the at least ten ATR aircraft that it relies on for its brutal attacks against children, schools, clinics and whole communities.

“This must involve cutting the military’s access to spare parts, training and technical support for its ATR aircraft.

“The military’s use of French aircraft for the commission of international crimes also shows the clear need for the EU to expand and better enforce its restrictive measures on Myanmar.

“Singapore also needs to do more to cut off the military’s access to dual use goods and technology, and to stop allowing Myanmar military arms brokers from operating in its territory.”

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