Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Air Cambodia, the national flag carrier, has announced a significant agreement to acquire up to 20 Boeing 737 MAX passenger aircraft from the United States. This substantial investment is heralded by the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation as a pivotal new step designed to enhance and broaden the scope of the national airline. It comes at a time when Cambodia’s aviation sector is playing an increasingly crucial role in connecting flights across the broader Asian region.
The landmark acquisition agreement between Air Cambodia and Boeing was officially formalized during the Singapore Airshow 2026, held in Singapore on February 3rd. This development, as confirmed by a press release from the Civil Aviation authorities, represents a notable advancement in the commercial relationship between the United States and Cambodia.
The specific model ordered by Air Cambodia is the Boeing 737-8 (part of the 737 MAX family), renowned for its modern capabilities. Each aircraft is designed to comfortably accommodate 178 passengers and boasts an impressive flight range of 6,480 kilometers. This advanced aircraft type is celebrated not only for providing superior passenger comfort but also for its industry-leading fuel efficiency, promising more sustainable and cost-effective operations.
Mr. David Zhan, Chief Executive Officer of Air Cambodia, underscored the strategic importance of this acquisition. He stated, “The 737-8 aircraft marks another significant leap forward for us. Its high capacity, integration of new technologies, improved transportation capabilities, and extended flight range will enable us to serve our customers more effectively and efficiently.”
Leading up to this major aircraft order, Mr. Mao Havanall, Minister in charge of the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation, engaged in productive discussions with Boeing representatives at their facilities in Seattle, USA, from January 5th to 9th. Following the successful finalization of this historic agreement between the national airline and Boeing, Cambodia is set to integrate the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into its fleet by the year 2031.
According to Mr. Sin Chansereyvutha, spokesman for Cambodia Civil Aviation, the introduction of the Boeing 737 MAX fleet will significantly bolster the vision for Cambodia’s aviation sector. This sector is recognized as a vital catalyst for the sustainable growth of the nation’s tourism, economic, social, and cultural development. Furthermore, the operational deployment of these Boeing 737 MAX jets by 2031 is strategically timed to align with the ongoing advancements in international airport infrastructure across Cambodia. This includes new and expanded facilities such as Techo International Airport, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport. The new fleet will also effectively address the escalating demand from international air passengers in Cambodia, which has consistently shown an average annual growth rate of 14 percent.
A report from the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation (SSCA) further supports these projections, indicating robust growth in air travel. For the year 2025, it is reported that Cambodia’s three international airports (Techo, Siem Reap Angkor, and Sihanoukville) are projected to handle a total of 64,821 two-way flights. This figure represents an 11 percent increase compared to 2024. Concurrently, the total number of arriving and departing international air passengers is expected to reach 6,988,259, also marking an 11 percent rise.
