In a pivotal moment for Cambodian aviation, AirAsia Cambodia (flight code KT) soared into the skies today, marking its debut with a near-full inaugural flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The dawn of this new carrier was heralded by the presence of industry giants Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, and Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia, along with an enthusiastic team of AirAsia Allstars. Their first flight, KT102, embarked from Phnom Penh International Airport at 7:40 AM and touched down gracefully at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport by 8:30 AM.
This launch is not just about adding flights; it’s about creating bridges. Later today, AirAsia Cambodia will further expand its network by connecting Siem Reap with Sihanoukville, knitting together three vital destinations within the nation’s borders. This strategic expansion underscores AirAsia Cambodia’s commitment to enhancing national connectivity and making travel more affordable and convenient for everyone in Cambodia.
Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia, shared his vision during the launch, “Today is not just about our first flights. It’s the start of a new chapter in Cambodia’s tourism story—one where ease of access meets affordability. Our goal is to empower Cambodians to explore the beauty of their homeland and spur economic growth through enhanced tourism and business opportunities.”
The timing of this launch aligns seamlessly with the government’s ambitious ‘Visit Siem Reap 2024’ campaign, aiming to draw more tourists to this culturally rich region. “AirAsia Cambodia is proud to lead this transformative journey in Cambodia’s aviation sector and is dedicated to supporting the government’s tourism initiatives,” added Nam.
Bo Lingam, Group CEO, highlighted the strategic importance of this new venture: “With the launch of our seventh AirAsia branded airline, we are not just celebrating a new beginning but are also reinforcing our commitment to ASEAN connectivity. AirAsia Cambodia will link over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond, bringing unparalleled access to regional explorations at affordable rates.”
The Group currently operates 63 weekly international flights to Cambodia from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. It has also cemented its domestic presence with daily flights between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Today’s launch is a significant milestone for AirAsia Cambodia, setting the stage for a revolution in travel within Cambodia, enhancing the country’s appeal as a prime destination in Southeast Asia and fostering a new era of economic prosperity through increased accessibility and tourism.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach
