PHNOM PENH: Air Cambodia, the country’s national carrier, is set to begin commercial operations with Chinese-made C909 aircraft by the end of the year as the government seeks to expand international air connectivity.
The airline has ordered 10 C909 aircraft from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), with deliveries scheduled over five years beginning this year.
According to a press release from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), SSCA Minister in Charge Mao Havannall and COMAC Chairman He Dongfeng signed two agreements to promote the development of Cambodia’s civil aviation sector.
The agreements include a memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation in civil aviation between the SSCA and COMAC, and an aircraft purchase agreement between Air Cambodia (K6) and COMAC.
The signing ceremony took place on July 17, 2026, at COMAC’s headquarters in Shanghai, China.
The SSCA said the agreements marked another milestone in strengthening the “ironclad friendship”, “diamond cooperation” and Belt and Road Initiative partnership between Cambodia and China.
The cooperation is expected to support Cambodia’s civil aviation sector through technology transfer, human resource training, aircraft maintenance capacity development and technical assistance.
It is also expected to strengthen Air Cambodia’s operational capabilities, expand its route network, improve air connectivity and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the regional aviation market.
The SSCA described the agreements as a major achievement for Cambodia’s civil aviation sector, reflecting the government’s efforts and commitment to expanding international air transport connectivity and raising the country’s aviation standards to global levels.
“This marks the first time in history that Cambodia has selected and commissioned the Chinese-manufactured C909 aircraft for its national carrier’s operations,” the SSCA said.
The agency added that the move would diversify Cambodia’s aircraft fleet while symbolising the country’s trust in Chinese aviation technology.
According to an SSCA report, Cambodia’s aviation sector experienced a slight slowdown in the first six months of 2026.
Passenger traffic through the Kingdom’s three international airports totalled 3.27 million during the period, down 7 percent from the same period last year.
The number of flights remained largely stable at 32,306. — The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
