AKP Phnom Penh, September 05, 2025 -- Cambodia Airways has finalized an agreement with Singapore-based aircraft lessor Avation PLC to lease a new ATR 72-600 aircraft, marking the airline's first introduction of the turboprop model.

The signing ceremony, held on September 2, was attended by Mr. Edison Duan, Board Member and CEO of Cambodia Airways, alongside Mr. Soeren Ferre, Chief Commercial Officer, and Mr. Franck Cheung, Vice President of Marketing, from Avation.

Senior executives from both companies highlighted the strategic importance of the deal. Mr. Duan stated that the ATR 72-600 will enable the airline to enhance connectivity between its international and domestic destinations.

“As Cambodia’s leading airline with the largest international network and highest service quality, this aircraft will allow us to provide more efficient transit services for travelers and further contribute to regional tourism and economic recovery,” the company said.

Mr. Ferre commended Cambodia Airways' growth potential and the prospects of the Cambodian tourism market. “We are delighted to partner with Cambodia Airways and remain committed to providing full support in fleet planning, enabling the airline to expand its capacity and seize more market opportunities,” he said.

Manufactured by Airbus-group-backed ATR, the ATR 72-600 is a globally recognized leader in the regional aircraft market. The aircraft offers superior flexibility and operational efficiency compared to regional jets, allowing for maximized utilization and profitability with effective cost control.

It will provide a foundation for Cambodia Airways to develop a high-frequency, quick-turnaround operational model. This strategy is designed to align with market dynamics and stimulate potential demand for domestic tourism and short-haul travel to neighboring countries.

The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in February 2026. Its integration will significantly enhance Cambodia Airways' fleet structure and network, marking a new development phase as the carrier transitions from a single-type, mainline fleet to a diversified operation with seamless trunk-regional connectivity.

This expansion will bolster the airline’s five-hour flight radius across the Asia-Pacific, which is centered on Greater China and radiates to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Central Asia, with Phnom Penh as its primary hub.

The partnership with Avation not only initiates a new phase in fleet and regional route expansion for Cambodia Airways but also represents a milestone in its path toward internationalization.

With the new aircraft and continued route launches, the airline plans to deepen cooperation with world-class carriers through codeshare and interline agreements to further enhance connectivity and operational efficiency.

By Chea Vannak