AirAsia Cambodia Launches Domestic Flights, Connecting Key Cities Daily

AirAsia Cambodia, the newest unit of the low-cost airline group, commenced operations on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation industry. The airline launched its inaugural domestic flights, connecting the capital city of Phnom Penh with the popular tourist destinations of Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

Why this matters: The launch of AirAsia Cambodia's domestic flights has the potential to boost tourism in the region and stimulate economic growth. By increasing connectivity and accessibility, the airline's presence can also contribute to the development of Cambodia's underserved aviation sector.

The first AirAsia Cambodia flight, KT102, took off from Phnom Penh International Airport at 7:40 am local time, carrying a nearly full load of passengers eager to be part of this historic moment. The Airbus A320 aircraft landed at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport just 50 minutes later, at 8:30 am. On the same day, the airline also launched flights connecting Siem Reap to the coastal city of Sihanoukville.

AirAsia Cambodia, a joint venture between AirAsia Group (51%) and local firm Sivilai Asia (49%), received its air operator's certificate from Cambodian regulators on April 30, paving the way for the start of operations on May 2. The airline currently operates a fleet of two Airbus A320 aircraft, with plans to expand to 16 planes in the future.

Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia, expressed satisfaction in the airline's achievement, stating,"AirAsia Cambodia is a reflection of Cambodian ingenuity and dedication, designed to serve the needs of our people which is above and beyond mere transportation. "He emphasized the airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing affordable travel options for Cambodians and visitors alike.

The launch of AirAsia Cambodia's domestic flights coincides with the Cambodian government's"Visit Siem Reap 2024" campaign, which aims to attract more tourists to the culturally rich province of Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex. The airline's presence is expected to play a vital role in supporting this campaign and boosting tourism in the region.

Looking ahead, AirAsia Cambodia plans to announce its international network in the third quarter of 2024, likely including existing AirAsia hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Singapore. As a Group, AirAsia already operates 63 weekly international flights to Cambodia from its Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok hubs.

The entry of AirAsia Cambodia into the domestic market is expected to shake up the country's fragmented and underserved aviation sector. By offering competitive fares and reliable service, the airline aims to stimulate demand for air travel within Cambodia and make flying more accessible to the masses.

Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, highlighted the significance of this launch:"Leveraging our strong foothold in ASEAN, AirAsia Cambodia is set to provide connectivity to over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond. With a track record of unlocking opportunities in underserved markets, we're ready to spark a transformation in Cambodia's tourism industry and economy by making regional exploration more accessible to all.

Key Takeaways

• AirAsia Cambodia launches domestic flights, connecting Phnom Penh with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
• The airline aims to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth in Cambodia.
• AirAsia Cambodia operates 2 Airbus A320 aircraft, with plans to expand to 16 planes.
• The airline will announce its international network in Q3 2024, including hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
• AirAsia Cambodia aims to make flying more accessible and affordable for Cambodians and visitors.