Despite current global political and economic uncertainties, Cambodia’s aviation sector — notably, the operations of the national carrier, Air Cambodia — continues to move forward impressively. This is evident through the airline’s expansion into more cities and countries.
Despite this success, the airline has received criticism from the national carrier of neighbouring Thailand, with accusations that Air Cambodia has copied their aesthetic. The claims came as Air Cambodia inaugurated a new direct route between Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and the city of Shenzhen, in China’s Guangdong province, last week.
Against this positive developments, Thai Airways has claimed that the Cambodian national carrier is using branding that closely resembles its own — apparently overlooking the fact that staff at the airline (formerly known as Cambodia Angkor Air) have been wearing a shade of purple for many years.
The Thai news outlet The Nation reported last weekend, citing The Post, on the new route. The article alleged that Air Cambodia appears to be using branding elements — such as the company logo and the cabin crew’s purple uniforms — that are strikingly similar to those of Thai Airways.
It noted that observers quickly pointed out that the aircraft’s livery, cabin crew uniforms and even the company logo all feature a distinctive purple hue, strikingly similar to Thai Airways. The claims of plagiarism were denied by Air Cambodia.
In a statement to The Post, Sinn Chanserey Vutha, secretary of state and spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), stated that he has observed recent commentary on social media suggesting similarities between its aircraft livery and cabin crew uniforms and those of another regional airline.
“Considering this, we wish to offer the following official clarification, rooted in transparency, respect and professionalism. Air Cambodia’s branding was developed through a deliberate and culturally conscious process, reflecting the Kingdom’s rich heritage and national pride. Following our rebranding from Cambodia Angkor Air to Air Cambodia Co., Ltd. on January 1, 2025, we have retained our legacy logo and signature colours — royal purple and gold — which are deeply symbolic,” he said.
“Purple represents dignity, serenity and devotion, drawing inspiration from traditional Khmer aesthetics. The distinct shade of purple used in Air Cambodia’s branding is uniquely derived from a balanced integration of the three colours found in Cambodia’s national flag — blue, red and white — in equal proportion,” he continued.
The spokesman emphasised that this symbolic composition differentiates their design from that of any other carrier. Furthermore, the golden emblem and signature purple hue reflect a proud historical lineage, tracing back to 1956 under the national flag carrier’s former name, “Royal Air Cambodge”. Gold symbolises prosperity, pride and Cambodia’s enduring cultural legacy, he explained.
“All elements of Air Cambodia’s visual identity — aircraft livery, uniforms and branding —have been independently conceptualised and developed in compliance with international intellectual property and aviation trademark standards. Any perceived similarities with other airlines are purely coincidental and not indicative of imitation,” he noted.
He said that the airline maintains a spirit of strategic partnership and mutual respect with fellow carriers across the region.
“We are committed to advancing regional aviation growth through collaboration and cultural exchange. Air Cambodia remains proud of its distinct national identity and will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, cultural integrity and regional cooperation in all aspects of our operations,” he continued.
