Air transport ( Civil aviation ) policy summary statements

1. Develop a national vision and strategy for the development of international and local airports

2. Develop a comprehensive legal framework in respect of international standards, conventions, protocols and treaties

3. Promote an open skies policy

4. Improve enforcement of aviation safety, security and efficiency regulations and of environmental protection measures

5. Rationalize the government institutions

6. Clarify role and responsibilities of the private sector in Cambodia civil aviation and its relationship with the regulatory bodies

7. Update its technical systems to enhance operations, safety and security

8. Strengthen staff skills through capacity building

Air Transport ( Civil Aviation )

Background

The Civil Aviation sector of Cambodia has undergone major structural changes in the last few years, in order to improve its compliance to the safety and security of international air transport and in particular with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s requirements. The Government has also taken several steps to encourage the development and operation of free enterprise domestic aviation services by removing all unnecessary barriers to such operations. Particularly, concessions have been awarded in the last few years to operate the main airports of the country. The overall regulatory framework of the civil aviation sector in Cambodia is therefore still under process of development and improvements are needed in order to minimize the difficulties which may face the local airlines and the international airlines present in Cambodia. A draft of civil aviation law of Cambodia has been prepared in 1996 with ICAO and the State Secretariat for Civil Aviation (SSCA) experts, and has been submitted to the Cambodian National Parliament for adoption. Governing Regulations with cooperation between SSCA, ICAO and the European Union have been developed and established with the purpose of ensuring aviation safety and security in Cambodia. Safety Management Systems for aerodrome, air navigation services and aviation safety/security also need to be strengthened. Though substantial support and training have been provided and literature made available to the SSCA by the ICAO, the implementation is not yet adequate.

Policy Statements notes:

1) National vision and strategy

The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia is committed to develop a clear national vision and strategy for the development of international and local airports. This vision and strategy will enable investors to foresee the infrastructure facilities that their future projects can benefit and will increase confidence in the country’s development.

2) Regulatory framework

The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia is committed to set up a legal framework for the civil aviation sector that reflects its international obligations to the international standards and ICAO's requirement for aviation industry in Cambodia. To that effect, the Civil Aviation Code, which is a prerequisite for civil aviation operation will be adopted as soon as possible. The essential components of that law will cover its organizational structure and authority and provisions regarding aviation safety and security, airport and air navigation certifications, airworthiness, licensing and air crew and technicians, air traffic controllers and air transports. A set of aviation rules and regulations has been partially prepared and developed, and will be adopted to complement the law.

3) Open skies

The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia is committed to promulgate an Open Skies Policy to ensure that the civil aviation sector in Cambodia is stimulated by competition in a liberalized air transport environment. The goal of an open skies policy is to provide high quality and cost‑effective civil aviation services in a competitive environment, so as to maximize the contribution of civil aviation services to economic growth and to international and regional cooperation.

4) Safety, security, efficiency and environmental protection

The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia is committed to improve the enforcement of aviation safety, security and efficiency regulations as well as of environmental protection measures in civil aviation and recognizes that this is a pre‑requisite for the future development of international relationship. To that effect, all civil aviation operational rules and regulations will be considered for permanent updating and reviewing.

5) Rationalization of institutions

The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia recognizes the need for new institutional arrangements that will rationalize the sector into well‑coordinated and efficient organizations, linked by the effective coordination and reporting mechanisms. The re‑structuring will follow best international practice, by promoting the re‑engineering of the civil aviation sector from a single centrally‑controlled government agency into decentralized and diversified civil aviation bodies and by clearly separating responsibilities of a) policy, planning, and infrastructure development, b) regulating, monitoring safety oversight audit and certification and c) service providers and operators. The reorganization plans will be based on a comprehensive functional analysis of the whole sector.

6) Private sector role

The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia recognizes the need to clarify the role and responsibilities of the private sector in civil aviation, and its relationship with the regulatory bodies. Transparency will be encouraged for the participation of the private sector in civil aviation project investments and concessions.

7) Technical systems development

The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia recognizes the need for updating and expanding the skills of the staff employed in all technical, administration, and management fields in the civil aviation. In priority, managers and specialists will receive training in the following: a) Civil Aviation Management, b) Aviation Legislation Experts, c) Air Traffic Management using update technology and English proficiency, d) Airport air navigation and security and audit, inspector certification, and e) Radio Air Navigation Equipment Maintenance f) Aerodrome engineering, and g) Power supply Systems.