Air Cambodia launches Shenzhen flight, sparks mixed reactions after rebranding

Air Cambodia launched its first direct flight between Siem Reap International Airport (REP) and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) on July 18, 2025.

Flight K6929 departed Shenzhen at around 06:41 local time, and arrived in Siem Reap at 07:43 after a two-hour flight. 

The flight, which was serviced by one of the carrier’s A321 aircraft, carried a total of 141 Chinese tourists.

Tourists from China make up the third largest group visiting Cambodia, next to Thailand and Vietnam. In 2024, a total of 848,952 Chinese tourists entered Cambodia, up 55% from 547,798 in 2023.

The flight operates once a week, departing from Siem Reap to Shenzhen every Thursday at 21:30 local time and returning from Shenzhen to Siem Reap at 06:20 on Friday.

Formerly known as Cambodia Angkor Air, the airline officially rebranded to Air Cambodia in January 2025. 

However, the Cambodian flag carrier sparked mixed reactions after publishing the first images of its new livery and uniform on July 18, 2025, due to the new branding’s stark similarity to Thai Airways. Observers were quick to notice that Air Cambodia’s aircraft’s livery, cabin crew uniforms, and even the company logo all feature a distinctive purple hue, similar to Thai Airways.

Cambodia’s newly launched Air Cambodia, has sparked a social media firestorm, w/online users widely criticising its branding for its uncanny likeness to Thai Airways. Cambodian says new branding represents national colours. The countries are locked in a tense border dispute pic.twitter.com/l4WQ1bx2f5— Savvy Traveler (@MYSAVVYTRAVELER) July 21, 2025 Thai media outlet Nation Thailand reported that in response to the comparisons, Air Cambodia explained that its use of dark purple and blue combination represents stability and tranquility and red illustrates strength and passion. The airline added that the golden yellow accent is a royal color and a traditional symbol of prosperity in Cambodia.

Air Cambodia is majority-owned by the Cambodian government, with a 51% stake. The remaining 49% is held by a joint venture between Henan Airport Investment Group, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, and Vietnam Airlines.

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