Private Air Charter Services In Cambodia
In August 2024, Royal Group announced the launch of CamJets, a private charter aviation company in the Kingdom of Cambodia. They are not the first service to offer private chartered flights in the country, so what options are there for business leaders and HNWI (High Net Worth Individuals) in the Southeast Asian country as each charter services aim to boost the tourism and aviation sectors but also offers CEOs and executives more flexible and tailored flight options.
CamJets - Cambodian Private Jet Services
The Royal Group of Cambodia said they launched the private jets subsidiary to boost tourism, but it is a very niche group of tourists who can afford the services as they are designed to offer exclusive travel and tourism experiences. They also call themselves “Cambodia’s 1st Private Jet Company” but that is open to interpretation.
The company said on August 21 2024, “The inaugural flight, presided over by Neak Oknha Kith Meng, Chairman and CEO of Royal Group and President of CamJets, took off from Phnom Penh International Airport. CamJets Royal Group's new private jet service aims to offer a wide range of advanced options for business travellers and will play a significant role in developing Cambodia's aviation sector.”
Neak Oknha Kith Meng says on the company’s website, “CamJets is a venture set up by the Royal Group that has now identified a pressing need for Cambodia’s business leaders to effectively manage their time when they travel across the world on business.
With limited air connectivity, infrequent and inconvenient schedules and long waits at airports, valuable time is wasted on travel. Time we can ill-afford to waste. World leaders use private jets to manage their time more effectively. But while there is significant demand for Charters there is no Private Jet service that operates from Cambodia.”
The latter part is not entirely accurate. Private jets have been operating from Phnom Penh International Airport as a base, and one well-known Cambodian company even has its own purpose-built hangar at the airport.
The fleet options from CamJets include the option of a Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft which can accommodate 9-11 guests, or the smaller Bombardier Lear 60 XR which can accommodate up to 8 guests depending on the configurations.
One report suggested they would operate under their own Air Operator's Certificate AOC and it was not clear if this had been issued.
Samra Seaplane - Seaplane Asia Limited
It should be noted that in 2023 Royal Group also announced plans to launch a seaplane service called Samra Seaplane after signing an MoU with Seaplane Asia which also intended to offer a premium service for high-end travelers.
Seaplane Asia CEO, Dennis Keller, said at the MoU signing in July 2023: “Cambodia possesses tremendous potential for amphibious seaplane operations, given its extraordinary natural beauty and growing economy, as well as tourism industry. Together, we will write a new chapter in the Cambodian aviation and transportation sectors and unlock unparalleled travel and lifestyle opportunities, while tourism is at the heart of the business model.”
In July 2024, it was further announced that Samra Seaplane, which they call “Cambodia’s soon-to-launch first premium amphibious seaplane operator”, announced a new ownership structure and it would operate under the sole leadership of Seaplane Asia Limited with Mr. Dennis Keller, the Chief Executive Officer. They also have a sister company in Thailand, called Siam Seaplane.
Keller said of the change, “We are confident this strategic move positions Samra Seaplane for a successful launch. Samra Seaplane is on its way to becoming a leader in this industry, offering an exceptional premium service with a touch of luxury, forever transforming the way people explore the sky, land and sea of this beautiful country,”
The main destinations serviced when operational would be the luxury resorts and islands off the southern coast of Cambodia and it would initially operate from Phnom Penh to locations within 1.5-hour flying time, including Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Island, Song Saa Private Island and Kep. By mid-2024, they had signed agreements with nearly a dozen resort and hotel partners in Cambodia but the flights were not yet operational, we assume pending approval from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.
VET Airways (Virak Buntham Air) - Cambodian Seaplanes
Virak Buntham Express announced in mid-2024 that it would also launch VET Airways, which they claim will be Cambodia's first seaplane service, expanding its owner's vast transportation network services in the country.
Owned by Neak Okhna Vireak Suo, the announcements of their seaplane service, VET Airways, came a year after Royal Group initially had also said it would launch such a service before they changed the above-mentioned ownership structure.
Neak Okhna Vireak Suo said, “Whether new or established, the foundation of any strong investment lies in knowledge and experience. Meet Virak Buntham Air soon (taking off on water, flying in the air, landing on water, and running on land in Cambodia in the near future). Virak Buntham always leads the way, pioneering in Cambodia, and consistently introducing new innovations for our customers and community.”
In July 2024 it was reported that the project was green-lit by the Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, and they were planning on receiving its business license by the end of 2024.
The seaplane service in Cambodia was also touted to promote tourism, but the costs mean it would likely be restrictive although no pricing had been announced yet. The facilities for its base and flight training are located in Dara Sakor with the last update suggesting operations were expected by the end of 2024 and Seaplane air charters available in 2025.
HeliStar - Chartered Helicopter Flights In Cambodia
Booking private chartered helicopter flights in the Kingdom of Cambodia has been available for many years with choices of aircraft including the Bell 505 and Airbus H125.
Helistar Cambodia claims to be the biggest Helicopter Cambodia services provider, with flights including Siem Reap & Phnom Penh helicopter tours, helicopter charter flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and vice versa as well as specialised Executive Transportation, Aerial Photography, Aerial Advertising, Seismic Support, Load Lifting, Medevac Services and much more.
Helistar (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. was founded in September 2009 and they have a presence in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
YUGO - Private Chartered Flights & EVTOL
YUGO is a private charter company which has ties to PhilJets, which is also linked to OCIC Vice President Thierry Tea. As a private aviation network, they have a global presence and a focus on Southeast Asia.
During the 2024 Singapore Airshow, Yugo Global Industries Pte. Ltd. (Yugo) signed a memorandum of understanding to study the potential for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and eVTOL flights in Southeast Asia with Eve Air Mobility.
Tea, Chairman of Yugo (and CEO of PhilJets), said at the time “We strongly believe that Southeast Asian economies will greatly contribute to the development of the eVTOL and UAM industry. Our collaboration with Eve will offer valuable insights into the essential requirements for regional air mobility development.”
According to their website, “Yugo is a private aviation network established by aviation professionals, with a presence in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. The company leverages the Founder's expertise and dedication in serving High Net Worth Individuals, Conglomerates and Multinational Companies.
The firm has a presence in Cambodia and offers VIP, Corporate, Leisure/Family, Medical, Emergency Medical Evacuations and Cargo flights for private and charter hire.
It should be noted that any air operator in Cambodia needs to have the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) issued by Cambodia's Secretariat of State Civil Aviation, its business license, and meet other regular requirements as well as certified pilots and specialised staff.