Cambodia aviation Part 2: Expansion at start-ups Bassaka Air, Bayon Airlines to drive growth in 2015

Cambodia's dynamic airline sector should experience rapid growth in 2015 as start-ups Bassaka Air and Cambodia Bayon Airlines launch international services. Both airlines have so far been limited to domestic services but are aiming to launch several routes to China.

Bassaka and Bayon became the third and fourth Cambodian carriers in late 2014, joining Cambodia Angkor Air and the newly rebranded Sky Angkor Airlines. All four airlines are banking on China for expansion as other markets are intensely competitive and do not have the same growth opportunities.

There is huge potential for growth in the Cambodian market, which has traditionally been dominated by foreign carriers. But Cambodia may not be able to support four local carriers over the long term. A third start-up has already suspended operations and other potential start-ups seem to be reassessing their plans.