Southeast Asian carrier Air Cambodia has placed its first order with Boeing, boosting regional growth with the fuel-efficient 737-8. The airline finalized its firm order for 10 737-8 jets and opportunity for 10 more in December 2025. This marks the Southeast Asian carrier's largest single-aisle order for up to 20 737 MAX airplanes.
With the 737 MAX, Air Cambodia will renew and grow its fleet as air travel serves an increasing role in connecting people and places throughout the region. The airline will leverage the 737-8's capabilities, efficiency and passenger comfort features for its expanding network of high-demand routes across Asia. The 737-8 can fly up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), well-suited to support Air Cambodia's growing regional network.
The airline will benefit from the airplane's flexible capacity and lower operating costs due to a 20% reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the airplanes it replaces. Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook forecasts Southeast Asian carriers will need nearly 5,000 new airplanes over the next twenty years, with single-aisle jets comprising more than 80% of deliveries. Air Cambodia is the national full-service carrier of Cambodia, established by the Royal Government and headquartered in Phnom Penh with primary hubs at Phnom Penh International Airport and a China office in Zhengzhou.
The airline operates domestic and regional routes across Southeast Asia, China, India and Japan. IOSA-certified and a three-star Skytrax carrier, Air Cambodia is pursuing rapid growth through fleet modernization, and this order for 10 Boeing 737 MAX supports its expansion. With the 737-8, Air Cambodia will launch direct services to important markets across North and Southeast Asia, offering competitively priced travel for passengers, while creating local jobs and training opportunities that strengthen their communities.
The airline's CEO Dr. David Zhan stated that the 737-8 gives Air Cambodia the ideal combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency to support its next phase of growth. Boeing senior vice president Brad McMullen expressed pride in welcoming Air Cambodia as their newest 737 MAX customer and looks forward to partnering with them to introduce the versatile and reliable 737-8 to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The order was previously unidentified on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website, but finalized in December 2025. This marks a significant milestone for Air Cambodia and Boeing, solidifying their partnership and commitment to supporting regional growth and modernization.