Air Cambodia Orders 20 Chinese-Made C909 Regional Jets

Cambodia’s national carrier, Air Cambodia, has signed an agreement with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) to purchase 20 C909 regional jets, the Chinese aircraft manufacturer announced. The deal, signed in Shanghai, makes Air Cambodia the first foreign national airline to place a large order for the Chinese-built C909. The first batch of aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026 and will subsequently enter commercial service with the airline. Industry observers said the new aircraft are expected to help Air Cambodia expand its route network, increase transport capacity, and strengthen connectivity between Cambodia and regional markets. Separately, COMAC and the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation of Cambodia signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in aviation safety, airworthiness certification, and human resources training. The C909, previously known as the ARJ21, has a capacity of 78 to 97 passengers and a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometres. It is designed to operate at airports with short and narrow runways and performs well in high temperatures, high altitudes, and crosswind conditions. The C909 has also expanded its overseas footprint since commencing operations in Indonesia in April 2023. The aircraft now operates in various markets, including Laos and Vietnam, serving 28 cities abroad and logging over one million passenger journeys. The jet accounts for approximately 70 per cent of China’s domestic regional jet fleet. China currently has the world’s largest air passenger population, with data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China showing an annual increase of about 40 million air passengers over the past two years, bringing the total to 470 million, up 160 million from 2019.