Aviation: Cambodia Strengthens Its Strategic Ties with China by Announcing the C909 Fleet

Cambodia is taking a new step forward in its strategic partnership with China by announcing the imminent integration of the regional aircraft fleet COMAC C909 into its national airline Air Cambodia starting in 2026.

This approach is part of a long-term vision of modernization and expansion of its aviation sector, which plays a crucial role in economic development, tourism, and bilateral trade.

The Arrival of the COMAC C909: A Turning Point for Air Cambodia

The COMAC C909, a regional aircraft with about 90 seats developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), represents a major advance for Air Cambodia, which has already been enjoying sustained growth of over 20% in its recent revenues. Through this initial acquisition of ten confirmed aircraft and an option for ten more, the Cambodian airline confirms its ambition to extend its capacities while strengthening its ties with China, an essential strategic economic partner in the region.

The New Techo International Airport: A Showcase of Modernity

This aeronautical alliance comes alongside the inauguration in September 2025 of the new Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, a colossal investment of 2 billion US dollars. With its ultra-modern infrastructures, including three runways capable of accommodating the largest global carriers, this airport illustrates Cambodia’s dynamic integration and international opening.

A Decisive Boost for Tourism and the Economy

The economic impact is not limited to aviation. The continuous increase in Chinese tourism, which saw growth of over 21% in visitors during the first seven months of 2025, underlines the relevance and urgency of developing a modern fleet adapted to regional needs. This progress is part of the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025, a joint initiative to stimulate cultural and economic exchanges.

Technological Diversification and Strategic Cooperation

More broadly, the choice of the COMAC C909 illustrates Cambodia’s desire to diversify its technological and industrial partnerships by strengthening its ties with China, whose presence is already evident in multiple strategic infrastructures such as the construction of highways, ports, and power plants. This strategy aligns with the 2019-2023 Action Plan signed between the two countries aiming to build a “community of shared destiny” based on political, economic, and security cooperation.

Cambodia, a Rising Regional Hub

Beyond aviation modernization, this cooperation reflects China’s rising power as a key economic partner in the region, triggering a regional dynamic where Cambodia positions itself as a growing hub linking Southeast Asia to the Chinese giant. The incorporation of the COMAC C909 is thus a tangible symbol of strengthened bilateral cooperation, synonymous with increased economic opportunities, the creation of qualified jobs, and the transfer of technical skills in a strategic sector.

Aviation at the Heart of the Cambodia-China Partnership

In conclusion, the announcement of the C909 fleet perfectly illustrates the central role of aviation in reinforcing Cambodia-China ties, a strategic partnership that promises to drive regional economic growth while fostering a new era of multimodal integration and openness to international markets.