Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to the Kingdom Of Cambodia touched down in the capital Phnom Penh on Wednesday 20 February 2013 to further extend the airline’s reach in Asia Pacific.

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Qatar Airways flight QR602 is greeted by a water salute on arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, making it the first carrier from the Middle East to begin flights to Cambodia’s commercial and cultural capital.

With the launch of daily scheduled services, Qatar Airways becomes the only Middle Eastern airline flying to the South East Asian nation – and destination number 125 served worldwide.

Flight QR602 arrived to a traditional water salute followed by a grand airport ceremony featuring colourful Cambodian dancers. The event was attended by a number of local dignitaries, including His Excellency, the Secretary of State of the Kingdom of Cambodia Tekreth Samrach; His Excellency, the Secretary of State of Civil Aviation Mao Havanall; and His Excellency, the Under Secretary of State from the Ministry of Tourism Pak Sokhom.

Cambodian dancers provide a traditional welcome in front of local officials and management from Qatar Airways following the arrival of the airline's inaugural flight to the country's capital Phnom Penh.
Cambodian dancers provide a traditional welcome in front of local officials and management from Qatar Airways following the arrival of the airline’s inaugural flight to the country’s capital Phnom Penh.

Qatar Airways’ Doha – Phnom Penh route is being operated with an Airbus A330 in a two-class configuration of up to 248 seats in Economy Class and up to 36 in Business. Flights operate via Ho Chi Minh City.

The aircraft features seat-back TV screens providing all passengers in both cabins with the next generation interactive on-board entertainment system – a choice of more than 800 audio and video on demand options.

Guests gathered at Phonm Penh International Airport in celebration of the new air link, connecting Cambodia with scores of destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America and South America.

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(Right to left): His Excellency Secretary of State of the Kingdom of Cambodia Tekreth Samrach presents a gift to Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker after officially welcoming the State of Qatar’s national airline to Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was joined on the inaugural flight direct from the carrier’s Doha hub by His Excellency Long Kem, Ambassador, Royal Embassy of Cambodia to the State of Kuwait and responsible for Qatar, together with international media.

The tourism industry, Cambodia’s second largest income source, received 3.6 million international tourists in 2012, a 24% increase on the year before. Cambodia is also home to a new industry following the recent discovery of oil and minerals, offering huge potential for overseas investors.

One of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 119 aircraft to 125 key business and leisure destinations worldwide.

The DOHA – PHNOM PENH via Ho Chi Minh City: Daily schedules (effective February 20)

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

Depart Doha – QR602 at 1:15 am, arrive Phnom Penh at 2:15 pm

Depart Phnom Penh – QR603 at 4:50 pm, arrive Doha at 11:30 am

Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Depart Doha – QR604 at 7:30 am, arrive Phnom Penh at 8:30 pm

Depart Phnom Penh – QR605 at 10:50 pm, arrive Doha at 5:30 am

NOTE: Qatar Airways will launch services to a diverse portfolio of new routes, including Chengdu, China (19 March); Chicago, USA (10 April); and Salalah, Oman (22 May).

For more information, call Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department at 4430 2072 or visit Qatar Airways’ website