DOHA — Qatar Airways' inaugural flight to Cambodia touched down in the capital Phnom Penh on Thursday to further extend the airline's reach in Asia Pacific, the AMEinfo-com reported. With the launch of daily scheduled services, Qatar Airways becomes the only Middle Eastern airline flying to the Southeast Asian nation — and destination number 125 served worldwide, it said. Flight QR602 arrived to a traditional water salute followed by a grand airport ceremony featuring colorful Cambodian dancers. 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. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was joined on the inaugural flight direct from the carrier's Doha hub by Long Kem, Cambodia's ambassador to Kuwait and responsible for Qatar, together with international media. Al Baker said the latest route by the award-winning airline opened up a great new market for business and leisure travelers from around the world, while at the same time opening up air access from Cambodia to destinations worldwide. “I take this opportunity to thank the Cambodian government and local airport authorities for their great support in helping us launch daily flights to this wonderful country,” he was quoted as saying. “Though Cambodia is one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, it has an air travel market that is highly underserved. “Qatar Airways can seamlessly connect travelers from Cambodia via our Doha hub to diverse cities like Paris, London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Milan, Dubai, Cape Town, New York and Montreal. The tourism industry, Cambodia's second largest income source, received 3.6 million international tourists in 2012, a 24 percent 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. Al Baker said that the latest route launch marked yet another significant milestone for the airline which is relentlessly expanding its global network. “Qatar Airways is spreading its reach in Asia and we are proud to say that our commitment to this diverse continent will continue,” he added. “In just a month's time, we will be adding Chengdu in China, which will join our family of destinations in Asia, a continent which now represents around 30 percent of Qatar Airways' global network. “Another significant milestone for Qatar Airways this year will be the introduction of Chicago as our fourth US gateway adding to daily operations to New York, Washington and Houston. — SG
