Hanoi (VNA) - Sun PhuQuoc Airways has officially been granted both the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and the Approved Training Organisation (ATO) certificate by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, affirming its comprehensive capabilities in operations, safety, and training. The airline is now ready to open ticket sales on October 15 and launch its first commercial flights on November 1, 2025.
On September 25, 2025, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) – invested and developed by Sun Group – was officially awarded Air Operator Certificate (AOC) No. 2025-669/CAAV by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. This crucial legal milestone confirms that SPA has met all regulatory requirements to commence scheduled commercial operations.
AOC is issued by the national aviation authority and authorizes an airline to operate commercial flights within the approved scope. To obtain the certificate, SPA developed and gained approval for its operational manuals and procedures. The airline then successfully carried out seven out of seven tabletop emergency response exercises at its operations control center; performed emergency evacuation drills on board its aircraft; and operated verification flights, including diversion and night flights. By completing this stringent process, SPA demonstrated full compliance with the highest safety and operational standards.
On the same day, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam also granted SPA Approved Training Organisation – ATO No. 679-ATO/GCN-CHK for Sun PhuQuoc Airways.
ATO authorises Sun PhuQuoc Airways to independently train and develop high-quality aviation personnel to serve its operational and business plans. Securing both AOC and ATO simultaneously not only proves the airline’s operational readiness but also reflects a sustainable strategy of workforce self-reliance. Earlier, in late August 2025, Sun Group signed a strategic partnership with CAE (Canada) – a global leader in aviation training – to establish the Sun Aviation Academy. The issuance of the ATO, together with the establishment of this academy, reaffirms Sun Group’s and SPA’s long-term vision to build a world-class talent pipeline and contribute to the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s aviation industry.
Mr. Nguyen Manh Quan, Chief Executive Officer of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, stated: “Being simultaneously approved for both AOC and ATO by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is a landmark achievement, affirming our thorough and holistic preparation. This is our strong commitment to delivering not only safe and high-quality flights, but also an exceptional experience backed by a team of elite professionals trained to the highest standards from the very beginning.”
With the AOC secured, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is officially cleared to launch ticket sales from October 15, 2025, and to begin commercial operations on November 1, 2025. In its initial phase, the airline will operate a hub-and-spoke network centered on Phu Quoc, directly connecting the island with Vietnam’s major tourism and economic hubs. Planned routes include Phu Quoc – Hanoi, Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc – Da Nang, as well as other key routes such as Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City – Van Don, and Da Nang – Phu Quoc. In the near future, the airline will further expand its network from Phu Quoc to additional provinces and cities across Vietnam.
Positioned as Vietnam’s first “resort airline,” Sun PhuQuoc Airways aims not only to bring passengers to Phu Quoc – ranked the world’s second most beautiful island by Travel & Leisure – but also to create a seamless journey integrated with Sun Group’s international-standard ecosystem. The airline was established not only to serve a specific group of passengers, but also to broaden opportunities for every Vietnamese traveler and international visitor to enjoy, relax, and discover Phu Quoc – through direct flights, affordable fares, and a seamless experience that begins in the sky./.
