Citilink's Airbus A320-200 with flight number QG512 carrying 67 passengers took off from the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, at 10.55 a.m. local time and arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport at 02.25 p.m. local time.
On board the flight were Cambodian Ambassador to Indonesia, Nambora Hor, and his staff, reporters and some Cambodian passengers.
During the 3.5-hour flight, passengers enjoyed coffee served by popular barista, Muhammad Aga.
Upon its arrival at Phnom Penh airport, the airplane was welcomed with a water salute and traditional music for its passengers.
Vice President Corporate Strategy Citilink Indonesia, Heriyanto, said the initial flight to Phnom Penh has marked 60 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Cambodia.
"We proudly launched the direct flight from Jakarta to Phnom Penh to connect the two capital cities," he said.
Heriyanto has expressed hope that the new flight route could enhance cooperation between the two countries.
"We hope that the direct flight will not only connect the two neighboring Southeast Asian countries, but will also allow the exploration of potential cooperation in some sectors such as culture, economy, politics, social and others," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Sudirman Haseng, said direct connectivity will encourage trade, investment and tourism between the two countries.
"We believe that the more we are connected, the better the opportunities to improve prosperity," he said.
The return flight is scheduled to leave Phnom Penh International Airport at 3.30 p.m. local time and to arrive at Soekarno-Hatta Airport's Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at 7.00 p.m. local time, with flight number QG513. Related news: Citilink marks maiden commercial flight to Yogyakarta Airport
Related news: Citilink launches free wifi service
Related news: Development and opportunities of Indonesia-Cambodia economic relations
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Juwita Trisna, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
