#TravelPH - AirAsia bolsters Asean presence with launch of fifth airline - AirAsia Cambodia
The confirmation of the establishment of AirAsia Cambodia (flight code KT), the company's fifth airline, marks another significant milestone for AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL), the world's top low-cost carrier. The airline is scheduled to begin operations on May 2, 2024.
As the aviation sector continues to recover from the biggest aviation crisis in history, the new airline's launch coincides with a critical juncture. The move by AirAsia to enter Cambodia demonstrates its tenacity and will to recover growth in spite of the industry's severe obstacles. The new airline will have two Airbus A320s in its inaugural fleet and operate out of Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).
Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, Chairman of AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL), expressed his enthusiasm for the venture and said: “The launch of AirAsia Cambodia marks another momentous occasion for AirAsia in providing low cost and high value travel for the people of Asean to connect with friends and family and explore the region and beyond. After the most challenging period, the new airline is a significant milestone in our incredible journey of expansion and recovery from the turbulence posed by the pandemic. With the aviation sector in its infancy, Cambodia and its 17 million population, offers a wealth of opportunities from cultural, historical and natural experiences, and we are proud to be able to connect travellers from all over the world to this remarkable country.”
Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL) said: “Our founders Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Tony Fernandes have always had a vision to make Asean a smaller place and it gives us great privilege to continue that legacy.
“AirAsia has a long history in Cambodia and we see much untapped potential in the region, including the opportunity to train and graduate hundreds of skilled pilots, engineers, and other professional aviation skilled workers, much like how we have done in Malaysia, Thailand and the rest of the countries we operate in. The launch of AirAsia Cambodia further cements our mission to truly own Asean for affordable travel, where our brand and footprint is strongest. Historically, we have a total of 6 routes into Cambodia across the Group, carrying 1.3 million passengers into the kingdom.
“We remain focused on building the most incredible network in our core markets that can’t be surpassed with the best connectivity and flight frequencies. Everything great starts with two planes. We aim to grow AirAsia Cambodia to a fleet of 60 planes in the next 5 years.
“With the pending merger of all of the AirAsia airlines in the Group as a single listed company, including medium haul affiliate airline AirAsia X, we will have seven airlines leveraging off one another to over 130 destinations and growing. This will truly transform the future of short and longer haul air travel across Asean and beyond.”
The airline's entry into Cambodia is evidence of its in-depth knowledge of the Asean market and its steadfast dedication to providing the greatest possible value and first-rate service throughout the region. With over 300 new specification aircraft on order across the Group, AirAsia is well-positioned to make a major impact in Cambodia's aviation scene thanks to its strong brand presence and devoted customer base.
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