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New carrier Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches commercial flights

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 9:20 GMT by AeroTime

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A Joint‑Venture Born from Tourism Momentum

Sun Phu Quoc Airways is a joint venture between Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier, and the Sun Group, one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates. The partnership combines Vietnam Airlines’ extensive experience in airline operations and regulatory compliance with the Sun Group’s deep understanding of the tourism market on Phu Quoc and in the broader Mekong Delta region. According to company officials, the airline’s strategy centers on providing high‑quality, low‑fare connectivity that supports the island’s tourism growth while strengthening domestic air travel.

Fleet and Service Philosophy

The airline’s initial fleet comprises three modern Airbus A321neo aircraft, each configured for 180 passengers in a two‑class layout (economy and premium economy). The choice of the A321neo was driven by its fuel efficiency, low operating cost, and suitability for the relatively short routes between Phu Quoc and the mainland. Sun Phu Quoc Airways plans to expand its fleet to include additional A321neos and potentially A320‑neo aircraft over the next two years, depending on demand and certification processes.

Sun Phu Quoc Airways emphasizes a “tourist‑first” service model. On‑board amenities include complimentary meals and beverages tailored to regional tastes, a generous baggage allowance for travelers heading to the island’s resorts, and in‑flight entertainment featuring popular Vietnamese titles and local music. The airline also offers an online check‑in system that integrates with the Sun Group’s travel booking portal, enabling seamless travel planning for tourists.

Route Network and Expansion Plans

At launch, the carrier operated three domestic routes:

1. Phu Quoc–Hanoi – daily flights connecting the island’s international airport (PQC) to Nội Bài International Airport.
2. Phu Quoc–Ho Chi Minh City – three daily departures to Tan Son‑Nhat International Airport.
3. Phu Quoc–Đà Nẵng – two daily services to Cam Ranh International Airport.

In addition to these domestic routes, Sun Phu Quoc Airways announced the following regional services, scheduled to commence within the next 12 months:

• Phu Quoc–Bangkok (Don Mueang International Airport), leveraging the island’s popularity among Thai tourists.
• Phu Quoc–Singapore (Changi International Airport), aiming to tap the high‑income market from the region’s financial hub.
• Phu Quoc–Kuala Lumpur, expanding the airline’s footprint into Malaysia.

The carrier also expressed interest in exploring seasonal charter flights to other Southeast Asian destinations such as Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Chiang Mai during peak tourist season.

Competitive Landscape and Market Impact

Sun Phu Quoc Airways enters a market that is currently dominated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, both of which already serve Phu Quoc on a limited basis. However, the new airline’s focused approach to the island’s tourism market sets it apart. By offering dedicated frequencies, a fleet optimized for short‑haul routes, and a tourist‑friendly service offering, Sun Phu Quoc Airways aims to capture a significant share of the island’s growing inbound passenger base.

Industry analysts note that the airline’s launch coincides with a broader push by the Vietnamese government to promote Phu Quoc as an international tourism destination. The Phu Quoc International Airport, opened in early 2023, has already seen rapid growth in passenger traffic, and the new airline is expected to further accelerate connectivity and economic activity in the region.

Operational Partnerships and Certifications

Sun Phu Quoc Airways has secured all necessary regulatory approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV). Its A321neos are certified under the latest ICAO standards, and the airline’s crew training program is built upon Vietnam Airlines’ existing instructor cadre. The partnership also includes a shared maintenance agreement, ensuring high reliability and safety standards across the fleet.

The airline’s branding strategy incorporates the Sun Group’s heritage of hospitality, with a distinct “Sun” logo and a color palette that reflects the tropical ambience of Phu Quoc. Promotional campaigns have leveraged the Sun Group’s extensive distribution network, including hotel and resort partners, to offer package deals that combine flights with accommodation.

Looking Ahead

Sun Phu Quoc Airways’ inaugural flight symbolizes a new chapter in Vietnam’s aviation history, one that is intimately tied to the island’s burgeoning tourism economy. The airline’s planned expansion into regional markets, coupled with a modern fleet and a service model designed for travelers, positions it as a potential catalyst for further development of the Mekong Delta’s tourism corridor.

For now, passengers can look forward to smoother, more frequent connections between Phu Quoc and Vietnam’s major cities, and soon, to direct flights to key Southeast Asian hubs. As the airline ramps up operations, industry observers will watch closely to gauge how Sun Phu Quoc Airways reshapes the competitive landscape of Vietnam’s domestic and regional air travel, and how it contributes to the island’s vision of becoming a premier tropical destination.