25 November 2008By Kang Kallyan
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French
The Cambodian civil aviation just announced the temporary suspension of all Siem Reap Airways activities so that it can “comply with the EU standards.”
This news was issued by Chea On, the technical general director of the civil aviation. When asked by Cambodge Soir Hebdo, Chea On indicated that Siem Reap Airways (SRA), which is currently being banned from flying in Europe, “was temporarily closed in order to give it time to resolve its problems, and to comply with international security standards. Chea On said that he “does not know” when SRA’s Airbus planes will fly again. “Maybe never, if this company cannot get out of its difficulties,” Chea On said. While waiting for an eventual return to service, Bangkok Airways – which owns SRA – planes will insure the connections which, up to now, were handled by SRA.
The Cambodian authorities and SRA did not take time to react to the serious charges brought up by the EU commission and the international civil aviation organization. Since 14 November, SRA was backlisted from flying to Europe because of security problems. As for the Cambodian civil aviation, it expressed “serious doubts” that it is capable of upholding international security standards.
This news was issued by Chea On, the technical general director of the civil aviation. When asked by Cambodge Soir Hebdo, Chea On indicated that Siem Reap Airways (SRA), which is currently being banned from flying in Europe, “was temporarily closed in order to give it time to resolve its problems, and to comply with international security standards. Chea On said that he “does not know” when SRA’s Airbus planes will fly again. “Maybe never, if this company cannot get out of its difficulties,” Chea On said. While waiting for an eventual return to service, Bangkok Airways – which owns SRA – planes will insure the connections which, up to now, were handled by SRA.
The Cambodian authorities and SRA did not take time to react to the serious charges brought up by the EU commission and the international civil aviation organization. Since 14 November, SRA was backlisted from flying to Europe because of security problems. As for the Cambodian civil aviation, it expressed “serious doubts” that it is capable of upholding international security standards.
