Air Cambodia Launches ATR’s Modular X-Space Table for Premium Regional Flights

Redefining Regional Comfort: Air Cambodia Selects ATR’s X-Space Table

The landscape of regional aviation is undergoing a significant transformation as Airlines seek to balance operational efficiency with premium passenger experiences. In a notable development for the Southeast Asian market, Air Cambodia has been announced as the launch customer for ATR’s new “X-Space Table” premium cabin configuration. This move marks a strategic shift for the national flag carrier, formerly known as Cambodia Angkor Air, as it aims to capture high-yield business traffic without compromising the flexibility required for its diverse route network.

The announcement, made on November 21, 2025, details the airline’s plan to integrate this innovative seating solution into its fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft. The “X-Space Table” is part of ATR’s “HighLine” collection, a suite of high-end cabin configurations designed to challenge the perception of turboprop comfort. By adopting this technology, Air Cambodia positions itself to offer a business class product comparable to regional jets, while retaining the economic and environmental benefits of turboprop operations.

This development is particularly relevant as the airline industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, with a renewed focus on premium leisure and business travel. The introduction of a dedicated, yet modular, business class section on short-haul routes addresses a specific market gap: the need for privacy and workspace on flights that are typically too short for wide-body amenities but essential for regional connectivity.

The Mechanics of the X-Space Table

The core of this announcement revolves around the technical ingenuity of the X-Space Table. Unlike traditional business class seats which are permanent fixtures, this solution is designed as a “plug-and-play” module. It allows operators to convert a standard pair of economy seats, typically arranged in a 2-2 layout, into a spacious 1-1 premium configuration. This is achieved by removing the aisle seat’s backrest and seat pan and replacing them with a dedicated table and storage unit.

For passengers, this configuration offers a substantial upgrade in personal space and utility. The layout ensures that every passenger in the premium cabin has both a window view and direct aisle access. The integrated side table provides a stable surface for dining or working, while the individual stowage compartment addresses the common issue of limited carry-on space in smaller aircraft cabins. This design effectively mimics the privacy and functionality found in larger commercial jets.

From an operational standpoint, the modularity of the system is its most defining feature. The conversion process is designed for speed, allowing maintenance crews to install or remove the tables in minutes. This capability enables the airline to adjust cabin configurations based on fluctuating demand, operating a full-economy layout for high-volume tourist routes or introducing a business class section for corporate-heavy schedules.

“The X-Space Table reflects ATR’s DNA of versatility… This flexibility empowers operators to respond efficiently to fluctuating passenger demand, seasonal variations or charter-specific requirements with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.”, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR.

Strategic Implementation and Timeline

Air Cambodia’s adoption of this technology is part of a broader rebranding and fleet modernization Strategy. Having officially rebranded from Cambodia Angkor Air on January 1, 2025, the airline is keen to establish a distinct identity in the competitive Southeast Asian market. The carrier took Delivery of its first new ATR 72-600 in May 2025, setting the stage for future upgrades.

While the Partnerships has been confirmed, the rollout will follow a specific regulatory and logistical timeline. The X-Space Table concept is expected to receive Certification in the first quarter of 2027. Following this approval, Air Cambodia plans to retrofit three of its ATR 72-600 aircraft with the new configuration. The planned layout will feature four premium seats arranged in two rows, creating an exclusive enclave at the front of the cabin.

David Zhan, CEO of Air Cambodia, emphasized that this solution supports the airline’s commitment to providing greater comfort and choice. By utilizing the X-Space Table, the airline can offer a refined travel experience on key routes, such as those connecting Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or Ho Chi Minh City, while maintaining the agility required for single-aisle fleet operations.

Industry Context and Sustainability

The introduction of the X-Space Table sits within the wider context of ATR’s “HighLine” strategy, launched in 2023. This initiative aims to provide turboprop operators with premium cabin options that allow them to compete directly with regional jets. While other carriers, such as Malaysia’s Berjaya Air, have opted for permanent luxury configurations like the “Business ETEREA,” Air Cambodia’s choice highlights a preference for versatility over permanent exclusivity.

Sustainability also plays a crucial role in the narrative surrounding this upgrade. ATR markets these premium configurations as a responsible luxury choice, noting that their turboprops emit approximately 45% less CO2 than similar-sized regional jets. For airlines and passengers increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint, this offers a compelling value proposition: a premium experience with a significantly lower environmental impact.

This move by Air Cambodia may signal a trend for other regional carriers. As the demand for “hop-on” premium services grows, evidenced by carriers like JSX in the United States and Air Tahiti in the Pacific, the ability to dynamically alter cabin density offers a practical solution to the economic challenges of regional aviation.

Concluding Section

Air Cambodia’s decision to launch the X-Space Table represents a calculated step toward modernizing regional air travel. By combining the economic efficiency of turboprops with the comfort usually reserved for larger jets, the airline is setting a new standard for flexibility and passenger experience in Southeast Asia. The planned 2027 retrofit will likely serve as a case study for other operators looking to maximize yield without sacrificing capacity flexibility.

As the aviation industry continues to innovate, solutions like the X-Space Table demonstrate that comfort and sustainability need not be mutually exclusive. We can expect to see further developments in modular cabin designs as airlines strive to adapt to the changing needs of modern travelers while maintaining operational resilience.

FAQ

What is the X-Space Table?
The X-Space Table is a modular “plug-and-play” solution by ATR that converts two standard economy seats into a single business class seat by replacing the aisle seat with a table and storage unit.

When will Air Cambodia introduce this new business class?
The X-Space Table concept is expected to be certified in Q1 2027, with Air Cambodia planning to retrofit its fleet of three ATR 72-600s shortly thereafter in 2027.

How does this configuration affect the seating layout?
The new configuration changes the standard 2-2 economy layout into a 1-1 premium layout, providing direct aisle and window access for passengers in the business class section.

Sources

ATR Aircraft