Cambodia’s flag carrier secures 10 firm 737 MAX 8s with options for 10 more as Boeing breaks into Airbus-dominated fleet.
Boeing confirmed Air Cambodia as the customer for up to 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, marking the Southeast Asian carrier’s largest single-aisle order to date. The deal includes 10 firm orders with options for 10 additional jets, the manufacturer announced Tuesday.
Air Cambodia will use the aircraft to replace and expand its current Airbus A320 family fleet on international routes to Vietnam, India, Thailand, China, Japan and Hong Kong. The order represents Boeing’s successful entry into a carrier that has operated exclusively Airbus narrow-body jets alongside ATR 72 turboprops.
Fleet Modernization Strategy
The 737 MAX 8 purchase marks a strategic shift for Air Cambodia, founded as Cambodia Angkor Air in 2009 through a partnership between the Cambodian government and Vietnam Airlines. The carrier currently operates A320s, A321s and ATR 72 aircraft.
Boeing projects the 737 MAX 8 will deliver a 20% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the A320 family jets Air Cambodia operates. The fuel efficiency improvement reduces operating costs while lowering emissions, Boeing said.
“The 737-8 gives Air Cambodia the ideal combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency to support our next phase of growth,” said Air Cambodia CEO Dr. David Zhan. “This investment will let us launch direct services to important markets across North and Southeast Asia, and offer competitively priced travel for passengers, while creating local jobs and training opportunities that strengthen our communities.”
Multiple Aircraft Orders
The Boeing order is part of Air Cambodia’s broader fleet expansion strategy. In September 2025, the carrier placed a similar order for 10 firm COMAC C909 aircraft with options for 10 more, according to Reuters.
The C909, formerly known as the ARJ 21, is a regional jet designed to carry 78 to 97 passengers in a 2-3 configuration. The aircraft is smaller than the C919, which competes directly with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families.
According to fleet data from Cirium, the COMAC C909 has approximately 175 aircraft in service globally, operating in 12 countries. The fleet includes aircraft operating in China, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, and other markets across Asia. Cirium lists Air Cambodia’s COMAC orders as letters of intent.
The C919, COMAC’s larger narrow-body comparable to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, has a much smaller operational footprint with approximately 16-27 aircraft currently in service, primarily with Chinese carriers.
Current Operations
Air Cambodia has 1,268 flights scheduled throughout February 2026, according to schedule data from Cirium. The Airbus A320 family accounts for 49.4% of scheduled flights, while the ATR 72 family represents 50.6%.
The A320 family provides 99,298 seats, or 68.3% of total capacity. The ATR 72 family accounts for 46,152 seats, representing 31.7% of total seats scheduled for February.
The carrier serves 17 destinations from Cambodia. Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the most frequently served destination with 187 flights scheduled, equating to 6.7 rotations daily. Nanning in China has seven scheduled services through the month, representing 1,050 seats in each direction.
Key Takeaways
- Air Cambodia ordered 10 firm Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with options for 10 more, representing the carrier’s largest single-aisle purchase.
- The 737 MAX 8 jets will replace Airbus A320 family aircraft and enable expansion to markets across North and Southeast Asia.
- Boeing projects 20% fuel savings compared to Air Cambodia’s current A320 fleet, reducing costs and emissions.
- The order is part of a multi-manufacturer strategy that includes a separate order for COMAC C909 regional jets placed in September 2025.
- Air Cambodia currently operates 1,268 flights in February 2026 using Airbus A320s, A321s and ATR 72 aircraft serving 17 destinations.
