K AMPUCHEA Airlines is to restart flights from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville on August 12.

The airline will make the 30-minute flight twice a week on Mondays and Fridays and round trip fares will be $80.

The route will be serviced by a 40-seat Antonov An-24 which has just arrived in Cambodia on lease from Aeroflot, said KA's Vice Chairman and Managing Director Pan Chantra on Aug 4.

The aircraft will also fly to the other domestic destinations of Battambang, Koh Kong, Stung Treng and Ratanakiri.

Chantra denied the revival of the Sihanoukville route was caused by the taking of Western hostages on both rail and road routes to Cambodia's premier resort. The abductions have practically killed tourism in the town.

But Chantra said the flights would aid tourism, with holiday makers knowing there was a safe route available to the resort.

"We also want to provide a public service so people can get in touch with each other," Chantra added, referring to flooding which has cut rail and road links.

KA's flights to Sihanoukville ended eight months ago due to low load factors. This was caused by departure of the 20,000 strong UNTAC force and because most passengers preferred to take the

cheaper three-hour road ourney.

Kampuchea Airlines is currently undergoing internal "improvements" to working practice before it submits a plan to the government to reform itself as Royal Air Cambodge, Chantra said.

He said it was too early to talk of any specifics but added: "I believe by the end of the year a new picture will come out."

The airline operates international routes to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City in conjunction with the privately-owned Thai company SK Air.