Cambodia Airlines, a new national private airline, will operate its domestic and regional flights soon after a joint venture agreement was signed recently between Royal Group of Cambodia and San Miguel Corp.

According to Cambodia’s news agency AKP, the agreement was inked by Oknha Kith Meng, CEO of Royal Group and Ramon S. Ang, President of the national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and San Miguel Corp.

Under the agreement, Royal Group holds 51 percent stake and PAL, 49 percent.

Cambodia’s civil aviation service is now growing with 25 airlines currently operating at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports.

The number of passenger arrivals through Phnom Penh International Airport is expected to grow by 7 percent to 2.25 million in 2013, while Siem Reap International Airport will welcome some 2.55 million passengers, or an increase of 10.5 percent.-VNA