Chinese Aircraft Maker Comac Secures Record International Order from Air Cambodia

Comac – the Chinese commercial aircraft manufacturer – has just signed a major deal with Air Cambodia, marking its largest-ever international order. This agreement signals both growth for Comac’s regional reach and strengthening ties with Southeast Asian carriers.

1. Key Details of the Deal

• Air Cambodia, the national airline of Cambodia, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to purchase 10 Comac C909 aircraft, and holds the option to buy an additional 10 in the near future. 

• This represents the largest foreign order Comac has ever received.

• As part of the agreement, Comac commits to collaborate closely with Air Cambodia on aircraft delivery, operations support, and development of Cambodia’s aviation sector. 

2. About the Comac C909 Jet

• The C909 is a regional jet developed by Comac, previously known as ARJ21. It accommodates 78 to 97 passengers, ideal for flights covering distances between 2,225 km and 3,700 km.

• It employs two GE CF34-10A engines (manufactured in the US), with critical components like landing gear and flight control systems supplied by Liebherr of Germany.

• Since commencing operations, the Comac C909 has logged over 194,000 flight hours and more than 135,000 landings globally. In Southeast Asia, carriers like TransNusa (Indonesia), Lao Airlines, and Vietjet are currently operating the C909 on 15 routes, connecting 18 cities. 

3. Significance for Air Cambodia & Southeast Asia

• For Air Cambodia, this order boosts its fleet capacity considerably, enabling it to expand its network and increase frequencies on regional routes.

• The deal is part of a growing pattern: Southeast Asia continues to be an important market for Comac. Before Cambodia, Comac has sold jets to Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam. 

• The large volume of C909 jets delivered so far—166 units—serving over 24 million passengers demonstrates the growing acceptance of Comac aircraft in the regional market

4. Comac’s Strategic Ambitions & Market Position

• Comac is not only promoting the C909 in the regional jet category but also aiming higher. Its C919 narrow-body jet is already in commercial service, aiming to compete with Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families.

• Looking ahead, Comac is working on the C929 project, a wide-body aircraft intended to break into longer-haul markets.

5. Challenges and Considerations

While the deal is significant, there are several factors that both Comac and Air Cambodia must navigate:

• Regulatory approvals and certification: To ensure safety standards in line with international norms, especially for new aircraft operating cross-border.

• Maintenance & after-sales support: Building a dependable supply chain for spare parts, repair, and technical service is essential.

• Pilot and crew training: Adapting to new aircraft types requires training programs, simulator access, and operational readiness.

• Public perception & reliability: As Comac grows, its performance record will be under scrutiny; reliability, punctuality, and safety outcomes will influence customer acceptance.

6. Impacts on the Global Aviation Industry

• This transaction signals stronger competition for traditional aircraft manufacturers, especially in the regional jet market.

• It underscores the growing confidence of Southeast Asian airlines in Chinese aerospace products.

• The expansion of Comac’s footprint could lead to shifts in supply chains, cost structures, and norms in aviation in the Asia–Pacific region.

7. Conclusion

The MoU between Air Cambodia and Comac for up to 20 C909 jets is a milestone—both for Comac’s international ambitions and for Cambodia’s aviation growth. With its regional capacity, modern design, and strategic partnerships, the C909 is making inroads among Southeast Asian carriers. If successfully executed, this deal could mark a new chapter in regional aviation’s competitive landscape.

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