CAMBODIA AIRWAYS’ MAIDEN FLIGHT TAKES TO THE SKIES

THE local aviation industry welcomed a new player yesterday, with Cambodia Airways’ maiden flight taking to the skies in Phnom Penh and landing in Siem Reap. The new airline is a locally owned and operated enterprise and part of Prince International Airlines Company Limited. It will prioritize the development of domestic routes during its initial months, said Sok Ravy, The airline’s marketing manager. She said the airline now offers two daily flights – Phnom Penh-Siem Reap and Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville – adding that in July 21 the company will launch its first international flight, connecting the Cambodian capital to Macau, China, which will operate thrice per week. She said they plan to expand their offer to include flights to South Korea, Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. “Australia and Europe are in our radar as well,” she added. The airline’s fleet is now composed of two 150-seat Airbus A319. In upcoming months, new aircraft will be added to the fleet, Ms Ravy said, explaining that by 2020, the airline plans to have 20 airplanes for both domestic and international routes.