Air Cambodia Signs Historic Deal for 20 Chinese C909 Jets, First Foreign Flag Carrier to Bulk Order

Air Cambodia Signs Historic Deal for 20 Chinese C909 Jets, First Foreign Flag Carrier to Bulk Order

PHNOM PENH, July 22, 2026 – Air Cambodia, the Kingdom's national flag carrier, has signed a landmark agreement with China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) to purchase 20 C909 regional jets, becoming the first foreign flag carrier to place a bulk order for the Chinese-built aircraft.

The agreement was signed on the afternoon of July 17 in Shanghai, with the first batch scheduled for delivery starting in the second half of 2026.

Prior to the ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with COMAC Vice Chairman and President Shen Bo and Air Cambodia Vice Chairman and CEO David Zhan. The Prime Minister extended warm congratulations on the partnership and pledged full ongoing support for the project delivery.

Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Mao Havannall, Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, and COMAC Chairman He Dongfeng, along with representatives from Chinese and Cambodian aviation enterprises, airport groups, and financial institutions.

Synchronously, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with COMAC to facilitate smooth C909 operations and deepen bilateral cooperation in civil aviation infrastructure, operational support, talent development, and maintenance training.

Industry insiders said the new aircraft will help Air Cambodia expand its route network, increase transport capacity, and strengthen connectivity between Cambodia and regional markets. The deal marks a landmark achievement in China-Cambodia civil aviation collaboration and a major milestone in Air Cambodia's development, ushering in a new phase of fleet expansion.

— Source:

Air Cambodia

https://www.aircambodia.com/en/travelguide/air-cambodia-signs-purchase-deal-for-20-c909-aircraft-with-comac

CGTN

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-07-20/Air-Cambodia-signs-deal-for-20-COMAC-C909-jets-1OVGwqqqHJu/p.html

Reported by The Khmer Today