The Sky’s the Limit: Vietnam’s $100 Million New Airline Takes Off with High Hopes to Conquer the Global Aviation Map.

Sun Phu Quoc Airways Granted Air Transport Business License

On June 13, the Ministry of Construction officially granted the Air Transport Business License No. 01/2025/GPKDVCHK to Sun Phu Quoc Airways Joint Stock Company (brand name: Sun Phu Quoc Airways). This airline brand is invested and developed by Sun Group, with a total investment capital of VND 2,500 billion (nearly USD 100 million).

Previously, the Deputy Prime Minister agreed with the proposal of the Ministry of Construction on allowing the Ministry to grant the Air Transport Business License to Sun Phu Quoc Airways Company Limited.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Construction to take responsibility for the content of the report and proposal, and to issue the Air Transport Business License in accordance with regulations. The Ministry is also responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of civil aviation.

On May 20, the Prime Minister also issued Decision 979 on approving the investment policy and selecting Sun Phu Quoc Airways as the investor for the airline project. According to the Decision, the investor implementing the project is Sun Phu Quoc Airways Company Limited.

The airline’s main hub will be at Van Don International Airport in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. The airline is permitted to operate a traditional, full-service, high-quality business model, combined with a hybrid charter flight model.

It is known that the airline is in the process of approaching and negotiating with Boeing for aircraft purchase. In the first phase, the airline will use narrow-body aircraft from the A320 and A321 families of Airbus, including the A321neo.

The A321neo is a new-generation narrow-body aircraft that stands out for its superior fuel efficiency and flexible capacity. Equipped with the latest engines and Sharklet™ wingtips, the A321neo reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 20% per seat, and has a range of up to 7,400 km.

The period from March to December 2025 is identified as the preparation phase, during which the airline will complete investment procedures, personnel recruitment, technical system development, and legal compliance. If conditions are favorable, the airline plans to start ticket sales in late October 2025 and aims to operate its first commercial flight as soon as possible.

Even before receiving the license, the new airline had completed pre-operation steps, including researching operation models, standardizing safety procedures, and building a competent human resources framework.

Ambition to Make a Mark on the Global Aviation Map

With its traditional, full-service, high-quality business model, combined with a hybrid charter flight model, SPA aims to make Phu Quoc a focal point, connecting this Vietnamese gem with major economic and tourist centers in the country, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, as well as other key cities.

In the international market, the company targets connecting Phu Quoc with large cities and leading tourist destinations in Asia, including locations in Japan, South Korea, China, and some other potential markets in the region. Beyond popular destinations, the airline also aims to expand its network to untapped tourism markets with high potential, such as Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia.

The new airline, bearing the name of Phu Quoc, is born at a time when the island is solidifying its position as a leading tourism and resort destination in Asia and one of the world’s most prominent emerging destinations in 2025, as recognized by global tourism organizations.

Right from its name, the airline affirms its mission to connect Phu Quoc with the world and bring the world closer to Phu Quoc. It develops its network with Phu Quoc as the center, directly linking major domestic and international cities while expanding to untapped tourism destinations. Additionally, the new airline will connect travelers to resorts, entertainment, culinary experiences, and shows in Phu Quoc.

The granting of the license to the new airline coincides with Phu Quoc’s preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2027, a large-scale international event that will host thousands of delegates, high-ranking leaders, and businessmen from the 21 APEC member economies.

In this context, an airline taking off from the island itself will not only help relieve transportation pressure but also serve as a connecting gateway, bringing international friends to the destination that Travel & Leisure dubbed the “second most beautiful island in the world after Maldives.”