The Boeing logo in front of the company’s offices near Los Angeles International Airport in El Segundo, California, on January 18, 2024.
Cambodian Airlines will purchase about 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as part of a three-billion-dollar deal, the two companies announced on Tuesday.
The agreement comes after Cambodia announced it would cancel all customs duties imposed on imports from the United States and would request up to 20 Boeing 737 aircraft for its national carrier in hopes of pleasing the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
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The Chief Executive Officer of Air Cambodia said in a statement issued Tuesday that the “737-8 aircraft give the company the right mix of range, capacity, and fuel efficiency to support our next phase of growth,” referring to the MAX series aircraft.
‘Significant Development’ in Trade Relations Between America and Cambodia
The statement noted that the 737-8 aircraft can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of up to 6,480 kilometers and is suitable for supporting the airline’s growing regional network.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration stated in a follow-up announcement that the agreement represents “a significant development in trade relations between the United States and Cambodia.” The department added that the deal would also support more than 12,000 jobs across the United States.
An Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets said in a statement, “This agreement represents a remarkable milestone for both Boeing and Air Cambodia, and the beginning of a strong commercial partnership built on world-class American aircraft that contribute to driving sustained local economic growth.”
Boeing
Boeing is an American multinational corporation founded in 1916, originally known for its early seaplanes and later becoming a global leader in commercial jetliners, military aircraft, and aerospace technology. Its history is marked by iconic products like the 747 jumbo jet and its significant role in both civilian aviation and defense contracting.
Cambodian Airlines
Cambodian Airlines is a national flag carrier founded in 1997, but it ceased operations in the early 2000s. The brand was revived in 2021 as a new private airline aiming to re-establish Cambodia’s presence in international aviation.
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) opened in 1930 as Mines Field and became a major commercial hub after World War II. It is now one of the world’s busiest airports, famously known for its iconic Theme Building with its futuristic architecture from the 1960s.
El Segundo
El Segundo is a city in Los Angeles County, California, founded in 1917 as a company town for the Standard Oil Company (now Chevron). Its name, meaning “The Second” in Spanish, originates from the site being the location of Standard Oil’s second major refinery in the region.
California
California is a state on the west coast of the United States, originally inhabited by numerous Native American tribes before becoming a Spanish colony and later part of Mexico. It was annexed by the U.S. in 1848 after the Mexican-American War and experienced a massive population boom during the 1849 Gold Rush, rapidly evolving into an economic and cultural powerhouse.
Boeing 737 MAX
The Boeing 737 MAX is a narrow-body airliner developed as the fourth generation of the 737 series, first flying in 2016. Its history is notably marked by two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, leading to a worldwide grounding and subsequent extensive modifications to its flight control system.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, establishing itself through a revolutionary war and the adoption of a constitution in 1787. It grew from thirteen original colonies into a global superpower, with a history shaped by westward expansion, industrialization, and significant internal conflicts such as the Civil War. Its diverse culture is a product of immigration and its influential role in 20th-century geopolitics, science, and popular culture.
Cambodia
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation most famous for the Angkor Wat temple complex, which was constructed in the 12th century as a Hindu and later Buddhist spiritual center for the Khmer Empire. The country’s more recent history includes the devastating Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s, from which it has been steadily recovering. Today, Cambodia is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, and scenic coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.
U.S. Department of Commerce
The U.S. Department of Commerce is a Cabinet-level department of the federal government, established in 1903 to promote economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. Its history includes absorbing and managing key agencies like the Census Bureau and the Patent Office, focusing on domestic industry, trade, and technological advancement.
International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) is a U.S. government agency, established in 1980, that promotes American exports and ensures fair trade. It operates under the Department of Commerce, assisting U.S. businesses in competing globally and enforcing international trade laws and agreements.
Air Cambodia
Air Cambodia was the national flag carrier of Cambodia from 1956 until its dissolution in 2001. It played a significant role in connecting the country internationally but faced severe operational disruptions during the Khmer Rouge regime and subsequent periods of political instability. The airline ultimately ceased operations due to prolonged financial difficulties.
