Phnom Penh, August 28 – Cambodia National Airlines, also known as CNL, celebrated the inauguration of its first fifth freedom flight between Phnom Penh, Hong Kong, and Palau on August 27. The historic event was marked by a traditional water salute at Koror International Airport, as the airline embarked on its new route, connecting three significant destinations.
The flight, designated K6680, departed from Phnom Penh International Airport at 7:41 am local time, arriving at Hong Kong International Airport at 10:56 am Beijing time. The aircraft then took off with a second batch of passengers, landing at Koror International Airport at 5:04 pm Palau time, officially inaugurating the new Phnom Penh-Hong Kong-Palau fifth freedom route.
Fifth freedom rights, a concept in aviation, allow an airline to carry revenue traffic between two foreign countries as part of a journey that also includes the airline’s own country. This new route is a strategic extension of CNL’s existing Phnom Penh-Hong Kong service, offering travelers a more convenient and diverse range of options when traveling between Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Palau.
The flight schedule for this service is currently set at three times a week, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The addition of this route underscores Cambodia’s efforts to expand its international aviation network, attracting foreign tourists to the country. According to a recent report by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, approximately 1.34 million foreign tourists arrived in Cambodia by air in the first seven months of the year, accounting for 36% of all foreign visitors and representing a 26.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
The new route is expected to boost tourism and economic ties between the three destinations, facilitating easier access for leisure and business travelers. Cambodia, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination. Similarly, Hong Kong, a global financial hub, and Palau, a tropical paradise with pristine waters and marine life, both draw millions of visitors annually.
In recent years, Cambodia has been actively working to improve its aviation infrastructure and liberalize air services agreements to encourage more international airlines to operate flights to and from the country. The introduction of this fifth freedom route is a testament to the kingdom’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering regional integration.
As Cambodia continues to develop its tourism industry, initiatives like the CNL’s new flight are expected to play a crucial role in attracting more travelers and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. With the airline industry recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, Cambodia’s proactive approach to expanding its air routes positions it well to capitalize on the resurgence of global travel.
In conclusion, the maiden flight of Cambodia National Airlines’ Phnom Penh-Hong Kong-Palau service not only marks a significant milestone for the airline but also underscores the Kingdom of Cambodia’s ambition to become a more accessible and integral part of the global aviation landscape. This new route is poised to strengthen cultural exchanges and economic ties among the three nations, while offering travelers a convenient and exciting new way to explore the region.
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【source】http://www.chinanews.com/gj/2024/08-28/10275835.shtml
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