Cambodia sets up first state carrier

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s first State-owned airline, established in partnership with Vietnam Airlines, will come into existence on July 27.
Cambodia Angkor Airline (CAA) would initially fly only on domestic routes, according to Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodian Government officials said Preah Sihanouk International Airport, formerly known as Kang Keng Airport, will be inaugurated on the same day.
Mao Havannal, civil aviation secretary, said on the first day two ATR-72 aircraft would fly between Siem Reap and Preah Sihanouk Province.
He added that representatives of carriers based in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Laos would also be present at the July 27 inauguration to learn about Cambodia’s air travel potential.
According to an agreement signed by the Cambodian Government and Vietnam Airlines, CAA will buy Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft in late 2009 and early 2010 to expand its services to countries like South Korea.
Ho Vandy, managing director of World Express Tour and Travel, was quoted by the Post as saying that CAA has been formed not only to make profits but also to benefit the Cambodian economy, especially the tourism industry.
The creation of the new national airline would help attract tourists travelling by sea to Preah Sihanouk Port to Angkor Wat.

Source:VNS