AirAsia Cambodia Launches with First Aircraft, Sets Sights on Expanding Domestic and International Services

AirAsia Cambodia has officially introduced its first aircraft, an A320-200 with registration XU-819, as it prepares to commence revenue operations in May 2024. The aircraft arrived in Phnom Penh on April 20 from Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta and is one of two planes the airline plans to station at the airport during its initial launch phase.

The new carrier, a joint venture between AirAsia Aviation Group and local hospitality group Sivilai Asia, will start its service offerings with twice-daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, beginning on May 2. Additionally, a demonstration and test flight scheduled for April 30 will support its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) certification efforts.

Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia, emphasized the airline’s goal at a recent launch event: “Our vision is to transform the way people travel in Cambodia and make air travel an integral part of the country’s transportation network.” This vision includes plans to initiate short-haul international flights as early as the third quarter of this year.

The A320, previously operated by AirAsia India under the registration VT-IXC, was phased out from its fleet in April 2022 and is now owned and managed by Avolon. AirAsia Cambodia aims to grow its fleet to as many as 15 aircraft, focusing on destinations within a four-hour flight radius from Phnom Penh.

This strategic expansion into Cambodia represents a significant development for the AirAsia Group, as articulated by Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes. The partners have injected an initial capital of USD5 million to establish the low-cost carrier, with contributions of USD2.55 million from Capital A and the remainder from Sivilai Asia, according to a Bursa Malaysia filing from December 2022. This investment underscores the commitment to enhancing air travel connectivity within Cambodia and to nearby international destinations.