PHNOM PENH – 18 June: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has concluded a strategic cooperation with Cambodia Airways for the launch of a new direct flight service between Phnom Penh and Penang to strengthen ties between the two countries and regional integration across Southeast Asia.
The courtesy visit and meeting were held on 17 June 2025 at Cambodia Airways’ headquarters in Phnom Penh. PCEB Chief Executive Officer Mr Ashwin Gunasekeran headed the delegation, which also included Head of Sales & Marketing Ms Siti Sarah Ismail and Marketing & Communications Manager Mr Terry Neoh.
Negotiations come before the first flight on 26 June 2025, twice a week, Thursday and Sunday. The route marks a milestone in cross-border flying, providing an important air link between Cambodia’s capital city and northern Malaysia’s economic and cultural hub.
During the meeting, PCEB sat down with Cambodian Airways’ senior leadership, including Executive Deputy General Manager Mr Guowei Bai, Deputy Director of the Marketing Committee Mr Daniel Li, and SOB’s CEO Assistant Ms Sok Ravy. Key points discussed were cooperative strategies for promoting the new route, increasing awareness of Cambodian Airways among business and leisure travellers, and achieving long-term sustainability.
It is a hub-to-hub connection that signifies more than convenience — it signifies a step forward towards building business, cultural and tourist between two dynamic gateways,” said Mr Ashwin. “Penang is becoming a business event and creative industry hub, and this route will create new opportunities for partnership.”.
The Phnom Penh–Penang flight would not only be a tourism link, but also play a strategic role as a door opener to business, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions), trade, and investment players between the two countries.
Penang, with its George Town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage city, and Cambodia, with the iconic Angkor Wat and culture-dense environment of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, are natural bilateral counterparts to promote cultural tourism. The direct flight facilitates the possibilities of heritage travel handled by certified tour operators and more intercultural contact.
PCEB will conduct marketing campaigns, industry briefings, and destination promotions with Cambodia Airways to foster awareness and uptake of the new route. They are part of the Penang State Government’s broader initiative to improve international connectivity and position the island as a regional business and tourism hub.
“Penang’s infrastructure, favourable location and growing network of international links place it squarely at the heart of ASEAN’s travel hub,” said Mr Ashwin. “This tie-up with Cambodia Airways is occurring at a very timely and opportune moment as we forge ahead with greater regional integration.”
The move is also seen against the context of broader moves to boost Penang’s status as a gateway to Malaysia’s northern corridor, with easy access to major cities and connecting tourists to regional cities via Penang International Airport.
Strong planning and strategic collaboration on the cards, Phnom Penh–Penang air route is set to enhance tourist traffic, stimulate bilateral economic engagement, and underpin ASEAN’s vision for unobstructed regional connectivity.
