The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) on Monday launched a six-point strategic plan to develop the civil aviation sector from 2021-2025. The plan focuses on safety, security, cooperation, services, infrastructure and human resources.

The plan was unveiled at a meeting chaired by Minister in charge of the SSCA Mao Havanall.

SSCA spokesman Sin Chansereyvutha said flights entering and leaving Cambodia must improve their safety, operations, order and management.

Chansereyvutha said: “Strengthening aviation security is a guarantee of national and international trust. It [the plan] is aimed at preventing and combating violations of the law such as bombings, terrorism, vandalism and threats to life and property.”

He said navigation and air traffic services will also be improved as the sector looks to develop its infrastructure to be in line with international standards.

The development of airport infrastructure, he said, will increase air passengers and improve the sector’s ability to respond to consumer needs. Chansereyvutha said the SSCA has already trained its staff in basic, intermediate and advanced skills.

The SSCA will also include the Industrial Revolution 4.0 strategy in its plans to prepare for a post-Covid-19 recovery.

Hong Vannak, the director of the Department of International Economics at the Institute of International Relations, Royal Academy of Cambodia, said airlines and passengers around the world are facing problems.

As such, he said SSCA’s plan could be better implemented after the Covid-19 crisis.