Hanoi (VNA) – On the morning of August 10, at Phu Quoc International Airport, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) – an airline invested and developed by Sun Group – officially welcomed its first Airbus A321NX aircraft.
On the same day, SPA and the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) signed the framework financing agreement, marking a dual milestone in the airline’s journey to build a modern, safe, and efficient fleet right from its earliest days of operation.
Starting with Airbus’s most advanced narrow-body aircraft
The Airbus A321NX is the first in a fleet of eight modern aircraft scheduled for delivery and operation throughout 2025, marking the beginning of Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ carefully planned investment strategy to build a modern fleet operating with safety, stability, and world-class standards.
Manufactured and delivered brand new from Airbus’s Hamburg facility in Germany, the A321NX represents the latest generation of the A321 family. Its passenger cabin has been comprehensively upgraded, offering a noticeably more spacious feel thanks to a higher ceiling and larger windows that open up wider views. The air circulation system is equipped with HEPA filters, ensuring the cabin air remains fresh and clean by removing up to 99.9% of fine particles and bacteria—providing passengers with an exceptionally safe and comfortable environment.
Notably, the aircraft is powered by the latest-generation LEAP-1A engines, delivering outstanding operational performance: up to 20% lower fuel consumption, 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions, and 75% less noise compared to the previous generation. This engine type is highly regarded for its reliability, operational stability, and safety.
In the context of increasing demand for aircraft in the world, Sun PhuQuoc Airways' ownership of the latest generation A321NX aircraft, which has just been manufactured, shows the airline's potential and determination in building high-class and professional service quality.
The delivery ceremony of the first aircraft also marked the debut of Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ official brand livery. Inspired by the crimson glow of Phu Quoc’s sunsets and the golden brilliance of its sunrises, the two primary colors – Flame Scarlet and golden orange – create an emotionally striking appearance for SPA’s fleet. Against a pristine white fuselage, the bold “SUN PHUQUOC AIRWAYS” lettering in signature red sits proudly beside the Vietnamese national flag – a declaration of pride in a Vietnamese brand. The letter “Q” is stylised as a rising sun over the sea and island, with its base shaped like Phu Quoc itself – an open invitation for travellers to discover the island. The nine-petal emblem on the aircraft’s tail represents nine connections and nine core service values of Sun PhuQuoc Airways.
Launching the strategy to connect the Pearl Island with the world
The arrival of Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ first aircraft not only marks the beginning of a safe, modern, and world-class fleet, but also affirms the airline’s distinctive development strategy: for the first time, Vietnam has an airline with Phu Quoc as its central hub.
From its very name, Sun PhuQuoc Airways reflects a commitment to accompany the growth of the Pearl Island. The airline adopts a “hub-and-spoke” network model, focusing on opening direct routes from Phu Quoc to promising tourism and economic destinations both domestically and internationally – particularly routes that have yet to be served – creating strong potential for attracting visitor flows from many new markets to the island.
In recent times, Phu Quoc has emerged as a destination with unprecedented opportunities – from being selected as a host destination for APEC 2027 to officially becoming a special administrative zone under An Giang province following the merger. In this context, developing an airline with Phu Quoc as its central hub is a pioneering move that anticipates future trends, reflecting the strategic vision of both the Phu Quoc Special Zone leadership and Sun Group in completing an integrated transport and service infrastructure. At the same time, it creates a strong first impression and lasting goodwill among travellers from around the globe – from the very moment they consider booking a ticket to the “second most beautiful island in the world after the Maldives, surpassing even popular destinations such as Bali, Indonesia and Phuket, Thailand,” as ranked by the prestigious global travel magazine Travel & Leisure.
“With a mission embedded in its very name, Sun PhuQuoc Airways aims to position Phu Quoc as an attractive international destination and a new aviation hub for the region. We aspire for every Vietnamese to have the opportunity to visit Phu Quoc through flexible policies and a network of direct flights to localities that have never before had a direct connection to the island. The airline will also expand international routes from key and high-potential markets, making it easier for travellers to reach Phu Quoc and fully experience its natural beauty, culture, and services.
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For Sun PhuQuoc Airways, this is not only a development strategy but also a social responsibility and a source of pride in contributing to elevating one of Vietnam’s most beautiful island destinations onto the world stage,” said Mr. Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group.
Vietcombank as lead arranger for aircraft financing, empowering the future fleet of Sun PhuQuoc Airways
On the same day, the signing ceremony of the framework financing agreement between Sun PhuQuoc Airways and Vietcombank took place, marking an important milestone in the cooperation between the two parties. Under this agreement, Vietcombank will act as the lead bank in arranging a credit facility to finance the acquisition of Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ owned fleet, comprising 10 new-generation Airbus A320/321NEO aircraft.
This agreement serves as a solid foundation, reflecting Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ vision and serious commitment to building a modern, safe, and efficient fleet from the very first days of its establishment. With the partnership of Vietcombank – one of Vietnam’s leading financial institutions – Sun PhuQuoc Airways is well-positioned to affirm its strong capabilities and contribute to the robust and sustainable growth of the aviation industry.
Vietcombank’s General Director, Mr. Le Quang Vinh, shared: “As Vietnam’s aviation market and overall economy continue to recover and grow strongly, we believe that the development strategy pursued by Sun PhuQuoc Airways – including a comprehensive investment plan in a fleet equipped with the most advanced products from the world’s leading manufacturers – will quickly elevate the airline to affirm its position. Vietcombank is committed to continuing our partnership with Sun PhuQuoc Airways in the next phases, contributing together to the development of Vietnam’s economy, tourism, and aviation infrastructure.”
“The trust and partnership of Vietcombank from the very first days have laid a strong start, creating the foundation for Sun PhuQuoc Airways to access other reputable financial institutions in the future, thereby further expanding our fleet in the near term. This will help accelerate our journey towards realising the vision of a modern, safe, and sustainable airline, strengthening Vietnam’s air connectivity and contributing to the nation’s overall development in a new era.” Mr. Dang Minh Truong emphasised.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways is expected to open ticket sales in October 2025 and operate its first commercial flight in November./.
