Phnom Penh, Cambodia – February 3, 2026 – Air Cambodia, the national full-service carrier, today announced its largest single-aisle aircraft acquisition to date, an agreement with Boeing for up to 20 highly fuel-efficient 737 MAX airplanes. Unveiled at the prestigious Singapore Airshow, this landmark deal marks Air Cambodia’s inaugural purchase of Boeing aircraft, signaling a significant leap in its fleet modernization and regional expansion strategy.
Strategic Fleet Expansion Fuels Regional Growth
The comprehensive agreement, which was finalized in December 2025, includes a firm order for 10 Boeing 737-8 jets, with an option for an additional 10 aircraft. This strategic investment positions Air Cambodia to significantly renew and grow its fleet, addressing the increasing demand for air travel that connects communities and economies across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Dr. David Zhan, CEO of Air Cambodia, emphasized the transformative impact of this acquisition. “The 737-8 offers Air Cambodia an unparalleled combination of range, capacity, and fuel efficiency, critical for our ambitious growth trajectory,” he stated. “This investment, our largest narrow-body purchase, will enable us to launch direct services to vital markets across North and Southeast Asia, offering competitive travel options for passengers while fostering local employment and training opportunities.”
Boeing 737-8: Efficiency and Comfort for Evolving Routes
The Boeing 737-8 is renowned for its operational capabilities, designed to serve an expanding network of high-demand routes throughout Asia. With a capacity for up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration, the aircraft boasts an impressive range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 kilometers), making it ideal for Air Cambodia’s regional aspirations.
Air Cambodia stands to benefit from the 737-8’s flexible capacity and markedly lower operating costs. The new jets promise a significant 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to the older aircraft they are set to replace, aligning with global efforts towards more sustainable aviation.
Boeing’s Commitment to Cambodian Aviation
Mr. Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership. “We are immensely proud to welcome Air Cambodia as our newest 737 MAX customer and eagerly anticipate collaborating with them to integrate the versatile and reliable 737-8 into the Kingdom of Cambodia’s aviation landscape,” he remarked.
“Boeing is fully committed to supporting the continued growth of aviation in Cambodia and across the region, as Air Cambodia strengthens vital connections throughout Asia with these cutting-edge, fuel-efficient airplanes,” McMullen added.
Air Cambodia’s Vision for the Future
Currently, Air Cambodia operates a fleet comprising six single-aisle and regional jets, serving a network of domestic and international destinations including Vietnam, India, Thailand, China, Japan, and Hong Kong. This significant order underscores the airline’s commitment to rapid growth through fleet modernization.
According to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook, Southeast Asian carriers are projected to require nearly 5,000 new airplanes over the next two decades, with single-aisle jets accounting for over 80 percent of these deliveries. Air Cambodia’s strategic move positions it at the forefront of this regional aviation expansion.
About Air Cambodia
Air Cambodia is Cambodia’s national full-service carrier, established under the patronage of the Royal Government. Headquartered in Phnom Penh, with primary hubs at Phnom Penh International Airport and a key China office in Zhengzhou, the airline is a prominent player in regional air travel.
As an IOSA-certified and three-star Skytrax rated carrier, Air Cambodia is dedicated to enhancing connectivity and passenger experience. This landmark order for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is a testament to its ambitious plans for expanding its network and services across Asia.
Also read, Direct Phnom Penh–Nanjing Flight Launched by Cambodia Airways
