Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, July 08, 2002
Cambodia to have new airline
A new Cambodian airline, Mekong Airline, has signed documents in Phnom Penh Monday to begin operation on August 1st this year, the airline director said.
A new Cambodian airline, Mekong Airline, has signed documents in Phnom Penh Monday to begin operation on August 1st this year, the airline director said.
Anthony Sandford, director of Corporate Affairs of Mekong Airlines told reporters that the first three aircrafts of two Airbus A-320's and one ATR-42 will begin on air on August 1st bounded for two local destinations of Siem Reap and Battambang, and will follow with international destinations: Ho Chi Minh city,Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Initial flights to Guangzhou may be operated as charter flight,he said.
The new airline deals were signed here between representatives of Mekong Airlines and International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) securing the lease of two 150-passenger Airbus A-320's and one 48-passenger ATR-42 aircraft.
Anthony Sandford said that the flight crews will come from Australia as well as Cambodia. The new airline was aimed at meeting the need of the foreign tourists flocking into Cambodia, he added.
The Mekong Airlines is a joint venture of 51 percent owned by domestic holding company and 49 percent shared by Australian VIA Aviation, said Anthony.
The new airline is the fourth of its kind in the country, with other three being Royal Phnom Penh Airline, President Airline and Siem Reap Airline.