Air reports

First Cambodia Airlines

Cambodia’s Weekly Business Press Review has reported that Phuket Airlines and Air France, in conjunction with the Cambodian government, will be setting up a new national carrier, to be named Air Cambodia. The airline will be using Boeing aircraft to fly to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai, with possible routes between Phnom Penh and Seoul and Bangkok and Siem Reap in the future.

First Cambodia Airlines, which began operations in February with flights to Canton, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, has temporarily suspended all of its services because of financial loses stemming from high fuel prices and airport parking fees.

Direct flights from Siem Reap to Kuala Lumpur (with a stop in Phnom Penh) and vice versa are now available via Malaysia Airlines.

Phnom Penh International Airport

The 5 million USD renovation of the Phnom Penh International Airport’s runway was completed in July, after eight months of construction. The new runway will now be able to accommodate larger aircraft, including Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

The Sihanoukville Airport has also undergone an upgrade and is now open to receive international flights. The renovated airport has a longer runway that can accommodate larger aircraft, and five new parking lots, a terminal building, VIP lounge and airline offices.

Temple Repairs

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced that it will be investing in the repairs of the Bakheng Temple, including fixing and decorating the steps leading to the site, which are currently broken and unsafe. While repairs are being made, authorities will open up an alternative route to the temple and the Bakheng Mountain Resort.

The Cambodian government and a Siem Reap-based company will invest 21 million USD in rebuilding the road travelling from Phnom Kulen to the Koh Ker Temples, as well as the temple area, in order to attract more tourists to the sites.

EXO PICKS: Moon River, Retreat, Hanoi, Vietnam

The Shinta Mani Hotel and Institute of Hospitality will feature John McDermott in its Masters in Residence programme between 13^th and 17^th November. Mr McDermott will be teaching photography workshops for advanced amateurs with photo sessions of Siem Reap’s temples and people.

From 5^th November till 30^th January 2005, the hotel will also feature an exhibit called ‘Tinted Images - Images Teintées’ which showcases hand tinted photographic art from renowned artist Pier Poretti. This distinct technique was created by Poretti and involves the tinting of black and white photographs with watercolours.