SiamFlight recently released their rendition of Tachileik Airport (VYTL) for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, which serves the homonymous town of Tachileik in Myanmar.

Established in the late 1940s, when Myanmar was undergoing significant changes following its independence from British colonial rule, it initially only featured basic infrastructure, with a very modest airstrip whose only goal was to facilitate transportation in the mountainous region, which was largely underdeveloped at the time.

Its strategic location near the Thai border historically transformed Tachileik into a gateway for trade and cultural exchange between Myanmar and Thailand. During a good part of the 20th century, when Myanmar's economy became increasingly isolated due to political instability and international sanctions, Tachileik became a key hub for informal cross-border trade in textile, electronics, and agricultural products.

In the 1980s and 1990s, as Myanmar began to open up its economy cautiously, Tachileik Airport saw gradual improvements in its infrastructure. The government recognized the potential of the airport to boost tourism and regional trade, particularly with Thailand. During this period, the airport was upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft, and regular flights from Yangon and Mandalay were introduced. This development was part of a broader effort by the Myanmar government to promote tourism in the Shan State, which is known for its scenic landscapes, ethnic diversity, and cultural heritage.

Despite its successes, Tachileik Airport has faced numerous challenges over the years. The region's remote location and underdeveloped infrastructure have often hindered its growth. Moreover, political instability and ethnic conflicts in Shan State have occasionally disrupted airport operations and deterred tourists. However, in recent years, the Myanmar government has tried to modernize the airport and improve its facilities. Upgrades to the runway, terminal building, and navigation systems have enhanced safety and accommodated larger aircraft.

Looking to the future, Tachileik Airport is poised to play an even more significant role in the region's development. Plans for further upgrades and expansion are underway to transform the airport into a major regional hub. The ongoing development of the East-West Economic Corridor, a key initiative under the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) program, is expected to enhance Tachileik's connectivity and economic potential. As Myanmar continues integrating into the regional and global economy, Tachileik Airport will remain a vital link between the country and its neighbors.

Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Mingalar Aviation Services, and Myanmar National Airlines serve it.

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The scenery features an accurate rendition of the airport, with custom ground textures, a custom passenger terminal, an accurate runway elevation profile, custom ground service equipment, and more.

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It's available on SimMarket for roughly $6.28, requiring at least 36.86 MB of free hard disk space to install.

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