Budget airline group AirAsia hopes to spread its wings to Cambodia with a new joint venture.
AirAsia’s Group president Bo Lingam is keen to set up a new Cambodia AirAsia affiliate and the Cambodian government is receptive to the idea.
Lingam held initial talks with civil aviation minister Mao Havanall last week
He sees promise in the market with minimal competition and a growing number of international tourists visiting the country.
Aviation infrastructure development is also on the rise with new airport projects in the works in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Koh Kong.
"We would like AirAsia to work with the technical experts of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation before making a request to the government soon," Mao said.
AirAsia serves Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville daily.
AirAsia first mooted the possibility of setting up a Cambodia airline affiliate back in 2017.
"For Phnom Penh international Airport (and Sihanoukville) the growth is driven by new airlines and routes," said Khek Norinda, communications director at Cambodia Airports.
Based on data from the tourism ministry, Cambodia welcomed 5.2 million foreign tourists from January to October this year, which is up nearly 10%.
