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Phnom Penh, July 20, 2026 – Air Cambodia has announced a bold move to purchase 20 COMAC C909 regional jets, signaling both confidence in China’s aviation industry and ambition to transform Cambodia’s flag carrier into a stronger regional competitor.
The deal, unveiled on July 19, 2026, represents the largest foreign order yet for the Chinese built aircraft and underscores the deepening economic ties between Phnom Penh and Beijing.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the airline’s modernization.
Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation also inked a memorandum of understanding with COMAC, covering infrastructure development, personnel training, and maintenance cooperation.
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This dual track approach highlights how the purchase is not merely about acquiring planes but about embedding Cambodia more firmly into China’s aviation ecosystem.
The COMAC C909, formerly known as the ARJ21, is designed for short to medium haul routes, seating between 78 and 97 passengers in a two class configuration. With a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers, the aircraft is well-suited for Southeast Asia’s dense network of regional destinations.
Powered by GE CF34 engines, the jet is optimized for hot and high airports and shorter runways conditions common across the region.
Since entering service in 2016, the C909 has carried more than 37 million passengers and is already operating in Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, and 28 overseas cities.
For Air Cambodia, the acquisition marks a turning point.
The airline currently relies heavily on leased Airbus narrowbodies, but the addition of the C909 will allow it to diversify its fleet and reduce dependency on Western manufacturers.
By 2032, Air Cambodia aims to operate 33 aircraft, with the C909 forming the backbone of its regional expansion strategy.
The jets are expected to open new routes, increase frequency on thinner markets, and strengthen connectivity between Cambodia and neighboring hubs, boosting both tourism and trade.
Economically, the deal reflects Cambodia’s ambition to capture a larger share of Southeast Asia’s booming aviation market.
Passenger traffic across China alone has been rising by 40 million annually in recent years, and Cambodia is positioning itself to benefit from this surge.
Politically, the purchase underscores the country’s alignment with Beijing’s Belt and Road aviation strategy, which seeks to expand China’s aerospace footprint globally.
For COMAC, the order is a milestone in its quest to challenge the dominance of Airbus and Boeing.
Securing a national carrier outside China as a bulk customer enhances the credibility of the C909 and signals growing acceptance of Chinese built aircraft in international markets.
In essence, Air Cambodia’s decision is more than a fleet upgrade it is a strategic bet on China’s aviation future and a statement of Cambodia’s regional aspirations.
The first deliveries, scheduled for late 2026, will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the airline and potentially reshape the competitive landscape of Southeast Asian skies.
