PHNOM PENH, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Low-cost carrier AirAsia Cambodia launched its daily domestic flight operations in the Southeast Asian country on Thursday, said its news release.
Its inaugural domestic flight KT102 departed from the capital Phnom Penh to the cultural province of Siem Reap with almost 100 percent passenger load, the news release said.
Subsequently, the airline also connected Siem Reap to the coastal city of Sihanoukville on the same day, connecting three domestic destinations.
Mao Havannall, minister in charge of Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said the launch of AirAsia Cambodia marked a pivotal moment in the kingdom's aviation industry.
"As a bridge between people and cultures, this airline not only fosters economic growth and tourism, but also embodies the spirit of ASEAN collaboration," he said.
"With its focus on affordability and connectivity, AirAsia Cambodia embodies the potential for a brighter future for the country's aviation industry," he added.
Vissoth Nam, chief executive officer of AirAsia Cambodia, said these initial routes underscored AirAsia Cambodia's commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing affordable and convenient travel options for Cambodians and visitors alike.
"The timing of AirAsia Cambodia's domestic flight launch is also opportune, coinciding with the government's concerted efforts to attract more tourists to the culturally rich province of Siem Reap through the recently launched 'Visit Siem Reap 2024' campaign," he said.
Meanwhile, the Dubai-based Emirates Airline on Wednesday also resumed its daily flight to Phnom Penh via Singapore after a hiatus since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Cambodia Airports. ■
