Phnom Penh: The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) recently showcased its ARJ21 and C919 commercial aircraft in Cambodia, signaling the company's ambition to expand its footprint in the Southeast Asian aviation market.
The aircraft demonstration in Phnom Penh marks a strategic move by COMAC to introduce its advanced aviation technology to the region. The ARJ21 and C919, both pioneering models in China's aviation industry, touched down at Phnom Penh International Airport, confirmed by Sin Chansereyvutha, Under-Secretary of State at the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.
Highlighting the event, the ARJ21 conducted a special flight to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, carrying representatives from various airlines and guests. This demonstration aimed to exhibit the aircraft's capabilities and performance, setting the stage for COMAC's potential market expansion in Southeast Asia.
"These flights serve to showcase the aircraft's impressive performance and lay the groundwork for our future endeavors in the Southeast Asian market," stated Chansereyvutha.
The demonstration flights in Cambodia are part of COMAC's broader initiative to introduce its jetliners across Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The C919, China's first large passenger jetliner developed in compliance with international standards, boasts a capacity of 158 to 192 seats and a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers. Meanwhile, the ARJ21, designed for short to medium distances, offers 78 to 97 seats and a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers.
Cambodia, with its three international airports, hosts a mix of national, budget, and regional airlines, reflecting the country's open-skies policy over the past decade. This policy has significantly contributed to the nation's aviation growth, paralleled by a surge in international tourist arrivals, which hit 5.43 million in 2023, marking a 139 percent increase from 2.27 million in 2022.
The successful demonstration of COMAC's ARJ21 and C919 in Cambodia not only showcases China's advancements in aviation technology but also opens up new avenues for collaboration and connectivity within the Southeast Asian aviation sector.
