Cambodia is set to purchase up to 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from the United States in a deal worth as much as $1.2 billion, as part of a sweeping plan to modernise the country’s aviation sector and strengthen trade ties with Washington.

 

Negotiations are ongoing, with a final agreement expected by 8 August, officials said. The aircraft, known for fuel efficiency and low emissions, will be delivered gradually from now until 2031 due to high global demand.

 

“This is a strategic step towards building a more competitive and environmentally responsible aviation sector,” said Sin Chansereyvutha, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for Civil Aviation. He confirmed that the state-owned Air Cambodia would also have the option to purchase 10 additional aircraft.

 

The Boeing 737-8 MAX can carry up to 210 passengers and fly over 6,500 kilometres. Cambodian officials emphasised its reduced fuel usage, quieter engines, and lower maintenance costs compared to older models currently in use.

 

The purchase is being framed not just as a transport upgrade but as a diplomatic milestone. Alongside the aircraft deal, Cambodia and the US have reached a trade agreement that will see Cambodia scrap tariffs on American imports, while the US cuts duties on Cambodian goods from 36 percent to 19 percent.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol hailed the tariff reductions as a “significant breakthrough,” noting that the United States remains Cambodia’s largest export market, accounting for around $12 billion in trade annually.

 

“The US understands Cambodia’s current financial capacity and is showing flexibility,” he said during a press briefing.

 

With this investment, Cambodia aims to position itself as a more efficient aviation hub in the region, while also sending a clear signal of its growing diplomatic and economic engagement with the United States.

 

 

-2025-08-05

Remind me to fly Air Asia with Airbus. How does the saying go, if its Boeing I'm not going.

On 8/4/2025 at 8:13 PM, geovalin said:

 

Cambodia is set to purchase up to 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from the United States in a deal worth as much as $1.2 billion, as part of a sweeping plan to modernise the country’s aviation sector and strengthen trade ties with Washington.

 

 

Cambodia isn't buying the aircraft from the United States, they're buying them from Boeing.

26 minutes ago, ChiTownEric said:

Cambodia isn't buying the aircraft from the United States, they're buying them from Boeing.

Which manufactures quite a lot of it in Malaysia...