Three months after commencing operations as the Kingdom’s newest low-cost airline, AirAsia Cambodia (flight code KT) Thursday celebrated another achievement with the launch of its first international flight from Phnom Penh (PHN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to enhance economic connectivity and boost tourist arrival between both countries.
Celebrating the first international flights held at the Phnom Penh International Airport, Vissoth Nam, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Cambodia, said, “The load factor of 99 percent for our inaugural international flight is extremely encouraging.”
“Since the operations began in May, we have flown 25,861 guests domestically, and with the introduction of this international route, we aimed to strengthen the bond between Cambodia and Malaysia,” he added.
“As part of the AirAsia Group, we are dedicated to supporting tourism and economic development goals, in line with Prime Minister Hun Manet’s vision of establishing more direct flights from major global tourist destinations to the Kingdom,” Vissoth said
The sister company, Thai AirAsia, will implement the Siem Reap-Phuket route with a three-weekly flight frequency starting on October 29 this year. The tourism sector has been on a robust growth trajectory as the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) actively promotes the country as a prime tourist destination, he added.
In the first half of 2024, the country welcomed over three million international tourists hence we [AirAsia Cambodia] anticipated that the new route between Phnom Penh and Kuala Lumpur cities would further boost tourist arrivals between the two countries.
“By leveraging the Fly-Thru service, Cambodians can reach other exciting holiday destinations in Asia as we are committed to introducing more international routes across the region this year while conducting feasibility studies for destinations such as Cebu, Bali and others to support the government’s strategy.”
“The seven weekly flights complement AirAsia Malaysia’s twice-daily operations and demonstrate the airline’s commitment to boosting tourism and economic ties between the two nations,” Vissoth added.
According to AirAsia Cambodia, the launch is timely as the region celebrates the 57th ASEAN Day this month and the inaugural flight marks a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity between both nations. As part of the AirAsia Group, the airline’s network extends to over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond, leveraging its strategic hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to facilitate seamless travel experiences for its guests.
Guests on AirAsia Cambodia flight KT168 celebrated an exciting performance at Phnom Penh International Airport before departure, making their journey more memorable as the flight departed at 12:25 pm and landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 3:15 pm with a water cannon salute upon arrival, the statement added.
Speaking to Khmer Times, Hay Kakada, Head of Ground Operation of AirAsia Cambodia said, “Since the launch of AirAsia Cambodia for domestic travellers in the last three months, the airline received strong support from local tourists, leading to a decision to establish the first international flight.”
Additionally, the direct flight will pave the way for international passengers in Malaysia to extend their trip to Cambodia, attracting more tourists to visit the Kingdom. “We [AirAsia Cambodia] also plan to establish more international flights, connecting to Bali province of Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Kong Hong,” she added.
