Air Cambodia to Debut Chinese-Made C909 Aircraft by Year-End

Commercial operations of Chinese-made C909 aircraft by Cambodia’s national carrier, Air Cambodia (K6), are set to begin late this year, as the Cambodian government continues its efforts to expand international air connectivity. Air Cambodia has placed an order for 10 of the aircraft from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). They will be delivered over a five-year period, beginning this year. According to a press release from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), Minister in Charge of the SSCA Mao Havannall and He Dongfeng, Chairman of COMAC, signed two agreements to promote the development of Cambodia’s civil aviation sector. They include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Strategic Cooperation in Civil Aviation between the SSCA and COMAC, and the C909 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 MoU and aircraft purchase agreement represented another milestone in strengthening the “ironclad friendship”, “diamond cooperation” and the Belt and Road Initiative partnership between Cambodia and China. The cooperation is expected to enhance the Kingdom’s civil aviation sector through technology transfer, human resource training, aircraft maintenance capacity development and technical support. It will also strengthen Air Cambodia’s operational capabilities, expand its route network, improve air connectivity and enhance Cambodia’s competitiveness in the regional aviation market. The SSCA described the two signings as a major achievement for the civil aviation sector, “reflecting the nation’s relentless efforts and strong commitment to elevating and promoting international air transport connectivity and developing Cambodia’s aviation standards on the global stage, under the visionary and wise leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet”. “This marks the first time in history that Cambodia has selected and commissioned the Chinese-manufactured C909 aircraft for its national carrier’s operations. This prestigious achievement not only diversifies Cambodia’s aircraft fleet utilisation but also symbolises profound trust in Chinese aviation technology,” it added. According to an SSCA report, Cambodia’s aviation sector experienced a slight slowdown during the first six months of 2026. Passenger traffic through the Kingdom’s three international airports totalled 3.27 million, down 7 per cent compared with the same period last year. The number of flights remained largely stable, at 32,306.