(Phnom Penh): On 10 June 2026, at 15:40, a brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft landed at Phnom Penh Techo International Airport successfully.
The new aircraft and its crew were warmly welcomed by Cambodia Airways’ management team.
The arrival of the aircraft marks a further enhancement of the airline’s operational capabilities and network expansion potential.
The ATR 72-600 is the most advanced regional turboprop aircraft in the world, manufactured by ATR, a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.
Equipped with the latest-generation Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engines, the aircraft offers excellent fuel efficiency and short takeoff and landing performance, making it particularly well-suited for domestic and short-haul regional routes in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
The ATR 72-600 is fitted with an advanced flight management system, an enhanced ground proximity warning system, and state-of-the-art avionics, achieving leading safety performance among aircraft in its class.
Additionally, the aircraft features a low-noise cabin design, large windows, and an optimized seating layout, providing passengers with a spacious cabin and significantly improved comfort for a quieter and more pleasant flight experience.
The delivery ceremony for this ATR 72-600 aircraft was previously held at ATR’s headquarters in Toulouse, France.
The event was attended by Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation of Cambodia(SSCA); Laurent Dumas, Head of Aircraft Contracts & Administration at ATR; Jean-Daniel Kosowski, Sales Director at ATR; Edison Duan, Chairman and CEO of Cambodia Airways; and other representatives from all parties.
During the ceremony, Cambodia Airways and ATR formally completed the handover of the aircraft’s certificates and documentation.
Minister Mao Havannall, Laurent Dumas, and Edison Duan jointly signed on models of the aircraft to commemorate the occasion.
Minister Mao Havannall then personally handed the aircraft key to Edison Duan, before joining representatives from all parties for a commemorative group photo, which officially marked the successful delivery of the airline’s first ATR 72-600 aircraft.
To ensure a successful delivery, Cambodia Airways assembled a professional team that traveled to Toulouse to oversee all critical procedures, including ground inspections, engine testing, acceptance flight tests, and technical handover.
Meanwhile, preparations for the airline’s second ATR 72-600 aircraft are already underway, with delivery expected by the end of 2026.
By then, Cambodia Airways will stand as the largest local airline in Cambodia by both fleet size and seat capacity.
The successful introduction of the ATR 72-600 represents an important milestone in Cambodia Airways’ fleet development and officially marks the beginning of the airline’s “dual-fleet operations.”,laying a solid foundation for future network expansion and sustainable growth.
In April 2026, Minister Mao Havannall led a delegation together with Edison Duan to Toulouse, where they held a fruitful meeting with Lars Wagner, CEO of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft Business, and the senior management team of Airbus.
Witnessed by Minister Mao Havannall, Cambodia Airways and the Airbus Group reached several intent-to-cooperate agreements, including the introduction of new aircraft, paving the way for a deeper and more strategic partnership between both parties.
Building on these milestones, Cambodia Airways will continue to work closely with the Airbus Group and ATR under the guidance and support of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the civil aviation authorities.
The airline will steadily advance its fleet modernization, enhance operational safety and service quality, expand its regional route network, and better meet passenger travel needs, while contributing to regional connectivity, tourism development, and economic growth.
=FRESH NEWS
