The Cambodia's Civil Aviation on Monday approved operations for a new Chinese-invested Bassaka Air, which is expected to take to the skies by October.

Chea Aun, under-secretary of state at the Cambodia's Civil Aviation, presented the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Joseph Stecker, chief executive officer of Bassaka Air at a ceremony at the Civil Aviation office.

"Bassaka Air becomes Cambodia's newest airline," said a news statement from the Civil Aviation.

"It plans to commence operations in October."

According to the statement, the airline, sponsored by private Chinese investors, has partnered with China International Travel Services and is run by professional airline management with decades of airline experience.

"Bassaka's main business thrust is to attract mainland Chinese travelers to Cambodia in order to contribute to developing Cambodia's tourism industry," it said.

"The airline will initially operate two Airbus A320s, connecting several cities in China to Siem Reap's Angkor and Phnom Penh."

Keo Sivorn, director general of the Civil Aviation, said the airline will operate two flights per week from China's Macao to Cambodia's Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in mid-October.

"The upcoming flights will contribute to expanding air transport services and developing tourism industry in Cambodia," he said.

Last month, the Civil Aviation granted the AOC to Apsara International Air, which is a joint-venture between private Chinese and Cambodian investors. The airline is also expected to launch flights later this year.