Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), said that the decision by the leadership of the national airline Air Cambodia (K6) to order 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from leading US aircraft manufacturer Boeing will bring many strategic benefits to Cambodia and reflects increasingly positive economic relations between the two countries.
According to the plan, the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are expected to enter service in Cambodia starting in 2031.
SSCA spokesperson Sinn Chansereyvutha told The Post on January 13 that, in order to promote cooperation between the Cambodian government and the US private sector, from January 5–9, Havannall, accompanied by senior technical officials of the SSCA and the leadership of Air Cambodia (K6), paid an official visit to Boeing in Seattle, the US.
He explained that during the visit, the Cambodian delegation learned about Boeing’s aircraft production lines and related infrastructure, gaining additional knowledge about manufacturing technologies and innovative methods, quality control and assurance systems, and safety management systems that comply with national and international standards.
In addition, there were in-depth discussions on technical and operational aspects focusing on the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft family, including aircraft capabilities, safety enhancements, maintenance support and entry-into-service planning.
“This visit is an important step in strengthening and expanding cooperation between Cambodia’s civil aviation sector and Boeing, particularly in supporting coordination and the strengthening and improvement of technical measures and regulations, ensuring that future operations of this aircraft type fully comply with international safety and airworthiness standards,” he added.
In 2025, Air Cambodia (K6) officially confirmed its order of 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, demonstrating strong confidence in the aircraft’s safety record, advanced innovative technology and economic efficiency.
According to Chansereyvutha, the historic agreement to purchase 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will bring numerous strategic benefits to Cambodia, including contributing to the strengthening of the vision for Cambodia’s aviation sector, which plays an increasingly important role in driving sustainable economic, tourism, social and cultural development.
It also responds to the development of international airport infrastructure and helps meet the growing demand for international air passengers in Cambodia, which has been increasing at an average rate of about 14 per cent per year, and will provide maximum benefits to the national airline operator by saving fuel, ensuring reliable flight operations and enabling the opening of additional new routes to broader ASEAN and Asia-Pacific markets.
In addition, it will enhance the capacity of Cambodian technical professionals — such as pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians and maintenance personnel — through training and technology and knowledge transfer related to aircraft systems, and Jointly continuing the development of a modern, sustainable, and smarter aviation system.
It will accomplish this through better connectivity, strengthening Cambodia’s aviation sovereignty and industrial capacity, expanding global passenger and cargo air connectivity, promoting tourism growth and international investment, creating high-skill and high-value aviation jobs for Cambodians, supporting green aviation initiatives and sustainable economic growth, and enhancing Cambodia’s aviation profile regionally and internationally.
“This visit marks the beginning of a new era of mutual benefits and win-win strategic cooperation in civil aviation, contributing to peace, prosperity and shared development under a comprehensive strategic partnership,” explained Chansereyvutha.
“The strategic value highlights the strengthening aviation partnership between Cambodia and the US, and Boeing is not merely an aircraft manufacturer and supplier, but a long-term strategic partner of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Cambodian airlines,” he added.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Cambodia operated aircraft from the Boeing family. However, due to economic factors and competition in the regional aviation market, Cambodia later switched to other aircraft types.
Air Cambodia remains committed to a balanced and diversified fleet strategy, maintaining cooperation not only with Boeing, but also with COMAC and major European aircraft manufacturers, ensuring operational neutrality, balance, high safety standards, and resilience within the aviation ecosystem.
Air Cambodia also plans to change its logo from January 15, according to Chansereyvutha.
During a separate January 10 meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre, during DeSombre’s visit to Phnom Penh, both sides expressed satisfaction with the continued deepening of bilateral relations between Cambodia and the US, particularly in trade and investment, as well as cooperation in defense and security.
DeSombre welcomed Air Cambodia’s decision to purchase aircraft from Boeing, noting that it reflects the growing economic relationship between Cambodia and the US.
