PHNOM PENH – Cambodia is to launch a new national airline, giving it a flag carrier for the first time since Royal Air Cambodge folded in 2001.
AFP reports that Cambodia’s government will partner with two private Indonesian firms, who will provide all the investment and absorb any losses.
Deputy prime minister Sok An said at a signing ceremony,”It’s a great day … a day for which we have waited a very long time.”
The government hopes to start flights with the as yet unnamed airline within six months to take advantage of the booming tourism sector. It will have a 51 percent stake in the venture, Sok An said.
The two firms, Rajawali Group and Ancora International, will get 70 percent of the carrier’s eventual profits, the official said.
Earlier this year, the Rajawali Group – a conglomerate owned by Indonesian businessman Peter Sondakh, was reported to be considering purchasing shares in the national airline Garuda Indonesia.
“A reliable and dependable flag carrier that is also the pride of the country is the key to strong and sustainable economic growth,” said Sondakh.
Cambodia saw 1.7 million visitors in 2006 with the country set to surpass that total this year, according to tourism officials.
New domestic air routes would open up Cambodia’s more remote locations and encourage travellers to seek sights beyond the famed Angkor temples in northwest Cambodia, its most popular tourist draw, tourism officials said.
Royal Air Cambodge, folded in 2001 after running up huge losses.
