The BGA Cambodia team, led by Managing Director Bora Chhay, wrote an updated to clients on Cambodia’s aviation modernization drive.

Context

  • Cambodia is reshaping its civil aviation landscape through simultaneous cooperation with China and the United States, signaling a pragmatic and multi-polar approach to transport development. Cambodian Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) Mao Havannalland Air Cambodia CEO Zhan David met with Chairman of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) He Dongfeng in Shanghai October 22 to review implementation progress and next steps under a memorandum of understanding signed in September. Under the arrangement, Air Cambodia agreed to purchase 20 COMAC C909 aircraft with 10 firm orders and 10 options. In parallel, Cambodia and the United States concluded a trade and investment agreement October 26 that included the purchase of up to 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft — 10 confirmed and 10 optional.
  • The October 22 meeting focused on advancing implementation of the Zhengzhou memorandum. Discussions covered aircraft certification, operational readiness and technical training and the timeline for introducing the C909 in Cambodia’s aviation sector by mid-2026. It was supported by COMAC’s 6S Lifecycle Support Model to strengthen maintenance systems, spare-parts logistics, workforce training and efforts to enhance national aviation capabilities and long-term self-reliance in line with the 2030 Air Transport Development Vision.

Significance

  • Cambodia could be the first operator of the C909 in Southeast Asia. The aircraft has not yet entered commercial service in any Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member country. Air Cambodia’s adoption of the C909 by 2026 will likely make it the first operator in ASEAN, giving Cambodia an early-mover visibility in advancing regional aviation modernization.
  • Zhan emphasized that the C909’s fuel efficiency, range capability and cost structure align closely with Air Cambodia’s route-development strategy, particularly for connections to secondary Chinese cities and major Southeast Asian destinations.
  • Cambodia inaugurated the Techo International Airport October 20 in a major advancement of its national critical infrastructure development. Following its soft opening September 9, the airport replaced Phnom Penh International Airport as the country’s main gateway. Designed by the United Kingdom-based firm Foster + Partners, the project reflects world-class standards in safety, efficiency and sustainability, strengthening Cambodia’s regional connectivity.

Implications

  • While the COMAC memorandum represents a key industrial partnership within China’s Belt and Road and Lancang-Mekong frameworks, the Boeing deal reflects Cambodia’s growing engagement with the United States and its commitment to a balanced and globally diversified aviation strategy. The agreements demonstrate that aviation has become a key channel for Cambodia’s global economic engagement and technological advancement.

We will continue to keep you updated on developments in Cambodia as they occur. If you have any comments or questions, please contact BGA Cambodia Managing Director Bora Chhay at bchhay@bowergroupasia.com.

Best regards,

BGA Cambodia Team

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Managing Director

Bora leads BGA’s practice in Cambodia. He is a highly regarded government affairs and public policy expert who helps clients resolve business issues, navigate regulatory and legal challenges, expand operations, explore new investment opportunities and enter Cambodia’s market.  Prior to joining BGA, Bora served for five years as a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) corporate and regulatory affairs professional. In this role, he helped transform his company’s government relations and corporate affairs unit into a more effective business-driven group. Notwithstanding Cambodia’s difficult and highly regulated macro environment, Bora played a key role in developing and executing government relations and corporate affairs ... Read More