AirAsia, a leading name in the aviation industry, is set to elevate Cambodia’s air travel experience with the launch of its seventh airline, AirAsia Cambodia, scheduled to commence operations on Thursday, May 2, 2024. This exciting development follows the successful acquisition of its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) on Wednesday.
With an initial fleet comprising two Airbus A320s, AirAsia Cambodia will operate from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), connecting passengers to the vibrant cities of Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, with seamless transit options through hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Today is a historic day for AirAsia as we open a new chapter in Cambodia whose story of perseverance, resilience, and growth deeply inspires us.
Highlighting the strategic significance of Cambodia’s growing economy, Fernandes added, “AirAsia’s expansion into Cambodia underscores our profound grasp of the Asean market. Cambodia’s dynamic population of 17 million and its growing youth segment present a substantial consumer base and an opportunity to cater to domestic demand whilst contributing to its economic progress. As AirAsia Cambodia prepares for takeoff, we are excited to leverage these opportunities to a broader ecosystem across our Capital A lines of business.”
AirAsia’s foray into Cambodia aligns with its recently unveiled “ONE Airline” strategy, aimed at consolidating its position as a leading low-cost carrier in the region. Leveraging its operational expertise and customer-centric approach, AirAsia Cambodia is poised to deliver exceptional value and service excellence to passengers.
Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia, emphasized the airline’s commitment to serving the local community, stating, “AirAsia has a long history in Cambodia and we are proud to chart a new milestone not only for the airline industry in the region but for the country today.
“AirAsia Cambodia is a testament to Cambodian ingenuity and dedication, tailored to serve the needs of our people which is above and beyond mere transportation. With our roots firmly planted in the country’s soil, we are committed to uplifting communities, empowering entrepreneurs, and fostering economic growth with a multiplier effect.
“The enhanced air connectivity has also contributed to the steady growth of the Asean tourism industry at an annual average rate of almost 10 per cent in the last decade. As AirAsia Cambodia joins the fray, we are poised to further expand on this growth while unlocking new experiences and opportunities for millions of Cambodians at the best value and world’s best services.
“As a homegrown airline, we are also deeply humbled by the support received from Samdech Moha Borvor Tiphadei Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia for our establishment, reaffirming our shared commitment to providing accessible travel options for Cambodians. With his invaluable support, we stand poised and confident in our ability to connect communities, facilitate economic exchange, and foster cultural ties across the region. His endorsement further strengthens our resolve to catalyse positive change and prosperity within Asean and beyond starting with Cambodia.” Nam affirmed.
As part of the AirAsia Group, AirAsia Cambodia is set to unveil international destinations in the coming months, further enhancing connectivity and enriching travel experiences for passengers across the region.
With a legacy of serving millions of passengers across ASEAN, AirAsia looks forward to ushering in a new era of air travel excellence in Cambodia, offering unparalleled convenience, affordability, and connectivity to travelers.