Cambodia to Acquire 10 Chinese C909 Jets for National Carrier in COMAC Deal

Cambodia has signed a strategic aviation cooperation agreement with China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), including a purchase of 10 C909 aircraft for its national carrier, Air Cambodia. The deal was sealed at COMAC headquarters in Shanghai by Dr. Mao Havannall, Minister-in-Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), and COMAC Chairman He Dongfeng. The agreement encompasses a Memorandum of Understanding on civil aviation cooperation and a purchase contract for 10 C909 aircraft to be delivered to Air Cambodia over five years, commencing in late 2026. Cambodian aviation authorities stated that the partnership will foster technology transfer, training, maintenance, and technical support, thereby strengthening bilateral cooperation under the "Diamond Cooperation Framework" and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Officials highlighted that this acquisition marks the first time Cambodia has selected Chinese-made aircraft for its national fleet, signifying confidence in China’s aviation technology. The SSCA described the deal as a milestone that will expand Air Cambodia’s operations, improve connectivity, and enhance competitiveness in regional aviation. The agreement comes as Cambodia seeks to diversify its fleet and expand international air transport links to meet regional and global standards. Aviation officials believe the C909 aircraft will help the carrier improve efficiency and service quality, while supporting Cambodia’s ambition to position itself as a growing hub in Southeast Asia’s aviation market. Air Cambodia is expected to commence operations with the new aircraft from the end of 2026, with deliveries continuing through 2031.