Air Cambodia Set to Acquire Up to 20 B737 MAX 8 Aircraft Through US Trade Agreement

Air Cambodia, which is partially owned by the Cambodian government, is set to acquire 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with options for an additional 10. This announcement comes from Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol and is part of a larger agreement with the United States aimed at reducing trade tariffs between the two nations.

Recently, the Trump administration had proposed increasing tariffs on Cambodian products to 36%. However, following recent discussions, Cambodia—exporting approximately $10 billion worth of goods to the U.S. annually—will see tariffs decreased to 19%.

Further engagement from the U.S. also includes mediating discussions between Cambodia and Thailand to resolve lingering tensions after their border conflict in July 2025, which resulted in casualties for both sides.

Air Cambodia operates from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and was established in 2009 as a joint venture involving the Cambodian government and Vietnam Airlines, originally under the name Cambodia Angkor Air. Vietnam Airlines continues to hold a 14% stake in the airline after divesting some shares to various Chinese investors.

This prospective order of 20 Boeing 737 MAX jets marks a substantial commitment for Air Cambodia and signifies a major shift from Airbus to Boeing aircraft. Data from ch-aviation indicates that, as of August 2025, Air Cambodia has a modest fleet consisting of just five active planes: two A320 jets and one A321ceo aircraft.

In addition to its jet operations, Air Cambodia also manages ATR72 aircraft. In May 2025, the airline welcomed the first of three new ATR72-600 turboprops, leased from HNCA Aviation Financial Leasing Co., a Chinese aircraft financing company.

What are your thoughts on Air Cambodia’s shift to Boeing aircraft?