PHNOM PENH: Shenzhen Airlines’ first flight to Cambodia landed at Phnom Penh International airport on Wednesday, making it the seventh Chinese air carrier to operate in the booming local aviation market.
The airline’s maiden flight touched down in the afternoon, carrying 161 passengers who boarded in China’s southeastern megalopolis of Shenzhen.
The new route connecting Phnom Penh and Shenzhen will be serviced by three weekly flights, according to the Khmer Times.
“Our route development efforts in attracting more Chinese airlines and passengers have been rewarded handsomely this year. Cambodian authorities and tourism stakeholders have played a key role in today’s success,” said Eric Delobel, CEO of Cambodia Airports, during celebrations after the plane landed.
Mr Delobel said Cambodia now has connections to most major cities in China.
“Amid government efforts to increase the number of Chinese tourists to the country, more Chinese airlines are showing an interest in the Cambodian market and adding new routes,” he said.
Earlier this year the combined number of Chinese passengers arriving through Cambodia’s three international airports reached the one million mark, according to Cambodia Airports.
There are now 12 Chinese airlines operating 155 direct flights each week to Cambodia - 70 flights to Phnom Penh, 82 to Siem Reap and three to Sihanoukville.