Cambodia, China Deepen Aviation Partnership as Techo Airport Opens and Air Travel Surges

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 31, 2025) — Cambodia and China are expanding cooperation in civil aviation under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with plans to modernize Cambodia’s national fleet and strengthen regional air connectivity.

On Oct. 22, Mao Havannall, minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation and chairman of Air Cambodia, led a high-level delegation to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). The visit resulted in a major milestone: Air Cambodia will begin operating COMAC’s C909 aircraft in the second half of 2026, marking a significant step toward fleet modernization and regional competitiveness.

The partnership supports shared development goals under the Belt and Road Initiative, the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation Framework, and Cambodia’s 2030 Air Transport Development Vision. It includes aircraft certification, safety approvals, and deployment of COMAC’s 6S lifecycle support model, which covers maintenance, logistics, training, and regulatory compliance.

The move comes as Cambodia’s aviation sector gains momentum. On Sept. 9, the country inaugurated Techo International Airport, its largest aviation infrastructure project, located in Kandal province. With a capacity of 13 million passengers annually, the airport positions Phnom Penh as a rising regional hub.

Cambodia welcomed more than 5.1 million air travelers in the first nine months of 2025, a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.

From January through September, the country recorded 47,637 inbound and outbound flights, up 12% year-on-year. Air cargo volume also rose 14%, surpassing 60,000 tons.

Air Cambodia’s acquisition of 20 C909 aircraft—10 firm orders and 10 purchase rights—builds on a memorandum signed in Zhengzhou on Sept. 8. CEO Zhan David said the aircraft’s efficiency and range align with the airline’s plans to connect second- and third-tier Chinese cities and key Southeast Asian destinations.

Officials from both countries emphasized that the partnership will boost tourism, trade, and investment, while creating skilled aviation jobs and supporting green transport initiatives. Mao Havannall praised COMAC’s progress and reaffirmed Cambodia’s confidence in the aircraft family. COMAC Chairman He Dongfeng pledged continued support for Cambodia’s aviation development.

Air Cambodia remains committed to a diversified fleet strategy, maintaining ties with aircraft manufacturers in Europe and the United States to ensure safety, neutrality, and resilience.