Chinese- invested airline launched in Cambodia

A Chinese- backed airline, JC International Airlines, was launched in Cambodia on Saturday with daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province, and Siem Reap province and Sihanoukville.

The airline was established by a Chinese company called Yunnan Jingcheng Group. Huang Dongyan, CEO of the Phnom Penh- based JC International Airlines, said the airline launched its operation with investment capital of $ 50 million.

She said the company is operating two new Airbus A320 aircraft in a single- class configuration with 180 seats.

“We will add three planes throughout this year, including one in June, another in October and the other in December, to expand flights to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, Japan and South Korea,” she said.

Tong Lecheng, chairman and founder of JC International Airlines, said the airline made its first flights on Friday between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province, and Siem Reap province and Sihanoukville.

Cambodian Civil Aviation Secretary of State Mao Havannall said the presence of JC International Airlines truly reflected the progress in the kingdom’s aviation industry, and he encouraged the airline to comply with international standards.

“As an entity, your excellence in business can only be appreciated and valued when you ensure your financial resources and social and environmental sustainability, as well as complying with international standards and recommended practices as well as the Civil Aviation ( department’s) requirements,” he said.

Cambodian Tourism Ministry Secretary of State So Mara said the ministry would provide strong support to the airline to promote the nation’s tourism.