The Southeast Asian carrier has placed a firm order for 10 737-8 aircraft, with options for an additional 10, finalised in December 2025. The order was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website. The purchase marks Air Cambodia’s first acquisition of Boeing aircraft and introduces the 737 MAX as the first Boeing aircraft type to be operated by a Cambodian airline.

 

Air Cambodia intends to use the aircraft to renew and expand its fleet as regional air travel demand continues to grow. The airline plans to deploy the 737-8 across high-demand routes throughout Asia, supporting network expansion while improving operational efficiency and passenger experience.

 

Dr David Zhan, CEO of Air Cambodia, said the aircraft provides a balanced combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency to support the airline’s next phase of growth. He noted that the investment, which represents the airline’s largest narrowbody aircraft purchase, will support the launch of direct services to key markets across North and Southeast Asia. The programme is also expected to support local job creation and training opportunities.

 

The 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). The aircraft is designed to support regional route networks while offering flexible capacity. Air Cambodia is also expected to benefit from lower operating costs, with the aircraft delivering approximately 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to the aircraft types it will replace.

 

Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said Boeing is committed to supporting aviation growth in Cambodia and the wider region as Air Cambodia strengthens regional connectivity using fuel-efficient aircraft.

 

Air Cambodia currently operates a fleet of six single-aisle and regional jet aircraft serving domestic and international destinations including Vietnam, India, Thailand, China, Japan and Hong Kong.

 

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that Southeast Asian carriers will require nearly 5,000 new aircraft over the next 20 years, with single-aisle aircraft expected to account for more than 80% of deliveries.

 

Air Cambodia is the national full-service carrier of Cambodia and is headquartered in Phnom Penh, with primary operations based at Phnom Penh International Airport and an office in Zhengzhou, China. The airline operates domestic and regional routes across Southeast Asia, China, India and Japan. The carrier is IOSA-certified and holds a three-star Skytrax rating. The 737 MAX order forms part of the airline’s wider fleet modernisation and expansion strategy.

 

Boeing is a global aerospace company that develops, manufactures and supports commercial aircraft, defence systems and space platforms for customers in more than 150 countries.