AirAsia’s new Cambodia-based low-cost carrier has taken its first steps towards its launch with the announcement of its inaugural flight on May 2, 2024, between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The new airline is now also open for bookings.
The new airline, called AirAsia Cambodia, is a joint venture between Capital A, the parent company of the AirAsia portfolio of airline brands, and the Sivilai Asia group, a local hospitality firm.
The new airline will operate two Airbus A320 aircraft to begin with.
AirAsia had to retrench and downsize during the COVID pandemic. However, during a meeting with AeroTime at AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur HQ in January 2024, its CEO, Tony Fernandes, expressed his willingness to resume growth this year and expand the group’s geographical footprint.
In this regard, Capital A is reported to be considering the launch of new subsidiaries in other countries in the region, such as Vietnam and Singapore.
The launch of AirAsia Cambodia subsidiary follows the formal merger of the group’s long-haul unit, AirAsia X, with the rest of its airline portfolio. With this move, Capital A expects its multiple low-cost airlines to gain greater flexibility to pursue a multi-hub growth strategy. Fernandes explained that the ultimate goal is to make the AirAsia group one of the world’s largest connectors.