(Phnom Penh): Mr. Sin Chansereyvutha, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, has highlighted the special features of the B737-8 MAX (Boeing 737-800 MAX) aircraft, of which Cambodia plans to purchase ten units from the United States. The price for each aircraft ranges from $90 million to $120 million, depending on the specific type and options chosen.
Speaking to Fresh News on August 2, 2025, Mr. Sin
Chansereyvutha stated that the B737-8 MAX has a seating capacity of 162 to 210,
depending on the configuration of Business Class or Economy Class. It has a
general flight range of over 6,500 kilometers, with the exact distance
depending on the engine type, some of which can fly over 5,600 kilometers.
Mr. Sin Chansereyvutha added that the B737-8 MAX is
significantly more fuel-efficient than aircraft previously used by Cambodia,
offering fuel savings of up to 14 percent, and is notably quieter.
He further emphasized that the B737-8 MAX uses less
fuel, is quieter, more economical, has a much lower environmental impact than
other aircraft types, and also has lower maintenance and repair costs.
According to Mr. Sin Chansereyvutha, the price of a
B737-8 MAX ranges from $90 million to $120 million, contingent on the specific
model Cambodia orders.
He also mentioned that ordering the B737-8 MAX
requires a lead time of four to five years because many countries around the
world have placed orders for this type of Boeing aircraft.
It should be noted that on August 1, 2025, Deputy
Prime Minister Sun Chanthol announced Cambodia's purchase of ten Boeing
aircraft from the United States, with an option to negotiate for an additional
ten. This comes as Cambodia applies a zero tariff on all American goods, while
the U.S. has lowered its tariff on Cambodian goods to 19%.
Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol stated, "The
airline Air Cambodia will negotiate the purchase of ten Boeing 737 MAX 8
aircraft, with an option to buy ten more. Negotiations are currently underway,
and it is hoped that an agreement confirming the purchase can be signed this
August."
Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out
that the delivery of these Boeing aircraft will not be immediate as the Boeing
factories are at full capacity. The new aircraft are not expected to arrive
until 2031.
Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol clarified that
although Cambodia is signing the agreement with the United States in 2025, the
new aircraft will not be able to arrive in Cambodia until 2031.