Cambodia Airways has officially taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600, marking the formal introduction of the turboprop aircraft type into the carrier’s active fleet. The handover was celebrated during an official ceremony attended by senior leadership from Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Cambodia Airways and Singapore-based lessor Avation PLC. The aircraft is the first of two ATR 72-600s ordered through Avation PLC, with this initial turboprop scheduled to enter commercial service later this month, while the second unit is slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026.

As the largest airline in Cambodia by passenger traffic, Phnom Penh-based Cambodia Airways primarily caters to major tourism flows within the country and across the broader Southeast Asian market. The acquisition of the ATR 72-600 is a core component of the carrier’s strategy to stimulate demand for short-haul travel to neighboring countries by introducing reliable, low-emission and affordable regional connections. By deploying the new turboprops on short-haul regional networks, Cambodia Airways will optimize its capacity allocation. The airline will utilize the highly efficient ATRs to increase flight frequencies on domestic and international point-to-point routes, while reserving its larger jet aircraft primarily to serve destinations in China and other longer-haul routes across the region.

The ATR 72-600 brings substantial operational advantages to the airline’s regional expansion. Compared to similar-size regional passenger jets, ATR turboprops burn 45% less fuel and emit 45% less CO₂ per trip, allowing Cambodia Airways to deliver significant environmental benefits while maintaining lower operating costs. In addition to superior flexibility and airfield performance, the modern ATR cabin architecture offers a quiet, smooth ride and spacious seating layouts. The integration of these aircraft will enhance the overall passenger experience, providing tourists with seamless, comfortable and reliable air services as they connect to key destinations across Southeast Asia.