THE TRAVEL trade in Cambodia has hailed the launch of the country's new national carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air, as significant in helping drive tourist arrivals, particularly from neighbouring markets.

Inaugurated yesterday (July 27), Cambodia Angkor Air is a 51:49 joint venture between the Cambodia government and Vietnam Airlines.

The airline will initially operate a fleet of two 66-seat ATR72 aircraft on daily Phnom Penh-Siem Reap, Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap-Ho Chi Minh City services from July 28 to October 24.

Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) president Ang Kim Eang told the Daily: "The private sector has been waiting for the birth of the country's new flag carrier for a long time. We hope this flight will help bring more tourists in from the region."

Ang, who attended the inauguration, professed faith in the new national carrier's standards. "I was on the flight yesterday. It was not a new plane, but I had nothing to complain about."

Cambodia Tourism Working Group co-chairman and CAPA steering committee chairman Ho Vandy said he hoped the airline would make an official presentation on its routings and services to the trade soon.

Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2009-07-28)