Chang Mai, Thailand (eTN) – According to media sources in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian government will not renew its agreement with Bangkok Airways, under which the Thai-owned airline flies Cambodian domestic routes, when it expires on October 25, citing a senior aviation official.
Mao Havannal, Cambodiaโs secretary of state for the state civil aviation, was quoted by the Phnom Penh Post as saying that the decision was made to give a boost to the new national carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air (CAA), which made its maiden flight on July 28.
“Now that we have our own domestic airline, Bangkok Airways will not be allowed to continue flights when the agreement finishes on October 25,” he said.
Bangkok Airways has been flying four flights daily between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap since taking over the route last November, when its subsidiary, Siem Reap Airways, was grounded by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).
SSCA Cabinet Chief Long Chheng said Thursday that the body sent Bangkok Airways a letter last week informing it of the decision.
Bangkok Airways acting country director Amornrat Kongsawat has not been available for comment.