Start-up carrier Cambodia Bayon Airlines in late August inked the largest-ever international contract for Xi’an Aircraft MA-60 turbopropsafter reaching terms on a deal with state-controlled aerospace conglomerate Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic). Valued at $450 million at list prices, the contract includes a firm order for two MA-60s and a letter of intent for 18 more over five years. Avic has received commitments for some 270 MA-60s, almost 100 of which it has delivered.
Bayon expects to take delivery of two MA-60s by year-end and plans to introduce 10 Airbus A320s over the next five years. Holding registered capital of $100 million, the wholly owned subsidiary of Bayon Holding Ltd. enjoys financial backing from Avic’s Joy Air Holding. Established in June, Bayon awaits a response to its application for an air operator certificate from Cambodia’s Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation. Headquartered in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, the carrier intends to launch domestic service by December or January.
