The United States and Cambodia Sign Air Transport Agreement

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau signed an Air Transport Agreement yesterday with H.E. Mao Havannall, Minister-in-Charge of Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, to advance our countries’ bilateral aviation cooperation.  The Agreement is the first bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries and will bring the civil air transportation relationship between the United States and Cambodia to the highest modern standard consistent with U.S. Open Skies principles.  With this Agreement, Cambodia joins a network of nearly 140 U.S. Open Skies partners, expanding rights for airlines to offer international passenger and cargo services.  Pending the Agreement’s entry into force, both sides’ aeronautical authorities intend to permit operations consistent with the terms of the Agreement on the basis of comity and reciprocity.

Open Skies Agreements allow air carriers to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travelers and shippers, promoting tourism and commerce. The Agreement with Cambodia will further expand our economic and commercial relationship, promote people-to-people ties, and provide the framework for new opportunities for customers, airlines, and air travel and cargo services companies.  This Agreement also enables all-cargo seventh-freedom traffic rights, allowing U.S. cargo carriers to operate between Cambodia and a third country without an operational nexus to the United States. 

Today’s milestone follows the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s recent Board approval to provide support for Cambodia’s new Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, underscoring the growing breadth of the U.S.-Cambodia commercial relationship.

Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will continue to work to advance American economic interests abroad. The conclusion of this Air Transport Agreement with Cambodia demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to opening markets and delivering results for American businesses, workers, and travelers.