The United States welcomed Air Cambodia’s decision to purchase at least 10 Boeing aircraft, reflecting growing economic ties between the two countries. The expression of support came during a working meeting in Phnom Penh on January 10 between Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Michael George DeSombre, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
Air Cambodia, Cambodia’s national airline, was previously Cambodia Angkor Air. Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a sub-decree deciding on the name change in early 2025. The Cambodian government holds 30 percent of the airline’s shares, China’s Xing Gang Investment Group 28 percent, Seven Trip International 28 percent and Vietnam Airlines 14 percent.
In September 2025, Air Cambodia said it would negotiate the purchase of 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from the United States in the first phase, with an option to buy 10 more. The Boeing 737-8 MAX, also known as the 737 MAX 8, seats between 162 and 210 passengers depending on seating configuration. It can fly more than 6,500 kilometres without refuelling and is equipped with next-generation engines that improve fuel efficiency by up to 14 percent compared with older models.
Both sides also expressed satisfaction with the continued deepening of Cambodia–US bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment, as well as defence and security cooperation.
By: Nget Pisant
