Boeing on Tuesday announced that Air Cambodia has placed its largest-ever single-aisle aircraft order, committing to 10 firm 737 MAX jets with options for a further 10, marking the Southeast Asian carrier’s first purchase of Boeing aircraft.

The agreement, unveiled at the Singapore Airshow, covers 737-8 models and was finalised in December 2025, though it had previously been listed as unidentified on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website. Boeing said the deal reflects Air Cambodia’s plans to modernise and expand its fleet as regional air travel continues to grow.

Air Cambodia said the new aircraft will allow it to increase capacity on high-demand routes across Asia while improving fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. “The 737-8 gives Air Cambodia the ideal combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency to support our next phase of growth,” chief executive David Zhan said, describing the purchase as the airline’s largest narrowbody investment to date.

According to Boeing, the 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration and fly up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 kilometres), making it suitable for regional operations. The manufacturer said the aircraft offers around a 20 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions compared with the planes it replaces, lowering operating costs for airlines.

“We are proud to welcome Air Cambodia as our newest 737 MAX customer,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president for commercial sales and marketing. He added that the company looks forward to supporting the growth of aviation in Cambodia as the carrier strengthens its links across North and Southeast Asia.

Air Cambodia currently operates six single-aisle and regional jets on domestic and international routes, including services to Vietnam, India, Thailand, China, Japan and Hong Kong. The airline, which is state-owned and based in Phnom Penh, has been pursuing rapid growth through fleet renewal.

Boeing said the order also reflects broader market trends, noting that its latest commercial market outlook forecasts Southeast Asian airlines will require nearly 5,000 new aircraft over the next 20 years, with single-aisle jets accounting for more than 80 percent of deliveries.

Industry analysts say the deal underlines continued demand for fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft in Asia, even as airlines weigh capacity growth against rising costs and environmental pressures.

Source: Boeing Press Release