A Change of Guard

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Thursday 30 July 2009

Cambodia Angkor Airlines: Another airline for Cambodia


By Luc Citrinot,
eTN Staff Writer |
Jul 29, 2009

Since the bankruptcy of Royal Air Cambodge in 2002, Cambodia has struggled to get a new national carrier. Many failed joint ventures or dubious and corrupted businessmen launching their own airlines have naturally failed to offer Cambodia a credible air transport alternative. Cambodia then relies exclusively on the good will of foreign carriers to be linked to the rest of the world. It remains an unsustainable position, especially as the kingdom has large ambitions for its tourism.

Welcome now to Cambodia Angkor Airlines, which might open a new chapter in Cambodian aviation history. The airline is backed by Vietnam Airlines, which sent two ATR 72s to the new joint venture owned 51 percent by the Cambodian government. The agreement between Vietnam Airlines and Cambodia stipulates that CAA will acquire two Airbus A320s and A321s for regional routes, with delivery due by the end of the year or early 2010.

The airline will start flying with four daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and will rapidly open a flight between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. In parallel, Cambodia is officially opening the new Sihanoukville Airport, officially renamed Preah Sihanouk International Airport, after the former Cambodian King.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear this good news, which Cambodia has its own airlines. But, It is better to have it without sharing with 49% of Vietnamese government.

R

Anonymous said...

Well, there are Angkor Airways, First Cambodian Airlines, President Airlines, Royal Khmer Airlines, PMT Air, Siem Reap(Bangkok Airline), and now Cambodia Angkor Airlines, the new kid on the block. So, this isn't the first or second airlines of Cambodia. The problem is, there are too many little airlines, of few planes in the country. Those smaller airlines should merge to create on giant airlines company in the country.
Thailand have only few airlines. Vietnam has one, that I know of. Thai Airlines and Vietnam Airlines are reaping the profit because there are little competitions in the their countries. Cambodia should follow their lead if to succeed in this risky business.
CAA needs to expand to other destinations, spread that winds, keep the fare at an affordable rate, provide excellent passenger services, good safety record, and keep the flights on time. Keep the management top notch, and CAA will rise to the challenge of the competitors. Good Luck CAA