Vietnamese startup Sun PhuQuoc Airways has announced a significant aircraft order, planning to acquire up to 40 Boeing 787-9s. This move marks the airline's entry into the twin-aisle market and supports its ambitions to launch nonstop intercontinental flights from Phu Quoc Island to destinations in Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia.
The deal, estimated at approximately $22.5 billion at list prices, reflects Sun PhuQuoc’s strategic goal to establish a premium, full-service airline. Owned by the Sun Group conglomerate, the carrier aims to challenge dominant low-cost carriers in the Vietnamese domestic market by offering higher-end services.
Concurrent with its fleet expansion, the airport on Phu Quoc Island is undergoing a major upgrade, including new passenger terminals and extended runways. Once completed in 2027, the airport is expected to be ICAO Code 4E compliant, allowing operations of widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
Currently, Sun PhuQuoc’s fleet comprises one A320neo, five A321neos, and two A321ceos. The aircraft purchase was announced during Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam's visit to Washington, D.C., where Vietnam Airlines also sealed an order for 50 Boeing 737-8s, indicating a broader expansion of Vietnam’s aviation capacity.
