PHNOM PENH — Cambodia Airways has officially taken delivery of its brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet modernization and regional expansion strategy. The advanced turboprop aircraft touched down successfully at Phnom Penh Techo International Airport on June 10, 2026, at 15:40 local time, where it was warmly welcomed by the airline’s management team and crew.
The arrival initiates Cambodia Airways’ transition into “dual-fleet operations,” significantly boosting its operational capabilities and setting the stage for an expanded domestic and short-haul regional network across Southeast Asia.
Strategic Handover Ceremony in Toulouse
The official delivery ceremony took place prior to the ferry flight at the ATR headquarters in Toulouse, France. The high-profile event was attended by key dignitaries, including Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation of Cambodia (SSCA); Laurent Dumas, Head of Aircraft Contracts & Administration at ATR; Jean-Daniel Kosowski, Sales Director at ATR; and Edison Duan, Chairman and CEO of Cambodia Airways.
During the proceedings, Cambodia Airways and ATR finalized the technical handover of the aircraft’s certificates and documentation. To commemorate the milestone, Minister Havannall, Dumas, and Duan jointly signed commemorative aircraft models. In a symbolic gesture cementing the partnership, Minister Havannall personally presented the aircraft keys to Duan.
To guarantee a seamless transition, Cambodia Airways dispatched a specialized technical team to Toulouse to oversee rigorous ground inspections, engine testing, and acceptance flight tests before piloting the aircraft back to Phnom Penh.
Advanced Technology and Passenger Comfort
The ATR 72-600 is widely recognized as the world’s leading regional turboprop, produced via a joint venture between aerospace giants Airbus and Leonardo. The newly delivered aircraft is equipped with latest-generation Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engines, which deliver superior fuel efficiency and optimized short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance. This makes the aircraft uniquely suited for Cambodia’s domestic air corridors and neighboring regional routes.
From a safety and navigation standpoint, the aircraft features an advanced flight management system, an enhanced ground proximity warning system, and state-of-the-art avionics. Passengers can also expect an elevated onboard experience, as the cabin is configured with a low-noise design, larger windows, and an optimized seating layout engineered to maximize space and comfort.
Expanding Partnership with Airbus and Future Outlook
This delivery represents the first phase of an aggressive growth strategy for the Phnom Penh-based carrier. Preparations are already underway for a second ATR 72-600, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. Upon its arrival, Cambodia Airways is projected to become the largest local airline in Cambodia by both total fleet size and passenger seat capacity.
The fleet expansion aligns with broader strategic discussions held in April 2026, when Minister Havannall and Edison Duan led a delegation to Toulouse to meet with Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft Business. That meeting resulted in several intent-to-cooperate agreements regarding future aircraft inductions, laying the groundwork for a deeper partnership between Cambodia Airways and the Airbus Group.
Moving forward, Cambodia Airways plans to leverage its modernized fleet to enhance operational safety, upgrade service quality, and launch new regional routes. Backed by the Royal Government of Cambodia and civil aviation authorities, the airline aims to play a pivotal role in boosting regional connectivity, driving tourism, and supporting national economic growth.
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