Sun PhuQuoc Airways Orders 40 Boeing 787-9s for New Vietnam Hub

New Vietnamese airline Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) has placed a landmark order for up to 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, a strategic fleet acquisition intended to establish its Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) hub as a primary gateway for global tourism. The agreement, announced on February 18, 2026, represents the largest widebody aircraft order in Vietnamese aviation history and underscores the rapid expansion of the Southeast Asia aviation market.

The deal, valued at an estimated $22.5 billion at current list prices, provides the new carrier with the long-haul capabilities necessary to execute its 'resort aviation' business model. SPA, a subsidiary of the Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group, aims to integrate its flight operations with its parent company's extensive portfolio of tourism and hospitality assets on Phu Quoc island. The airline commenced commercial operations in November 2025 and is now poised for significant international growth.

According to Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of Sun Group, the choice of aircraft was integral to the airline's strategy. "Our partnership with Boeing establishes a strong foundation for building a world-class airline that operates in sync with the tourism and resort ecosystem Sun Group has developed," Truong stated. "We selected the Boeing 787-9 for its superior operational performance and because it is the most suitable aircraft type to realise our vision of bringing the world to Phu Quoc."

A Strategic Fleet for a Growing Market

The selection of the Boeing 787-9 is critical to Sun PhuQuoc Airways' plan to connect Phu Quoc directly with long-haul markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. The aircraft's range and fuel efficiency are key enablers for this strategy, allowing the airline to bypass traditional hubs and offer non-stop services to the resort island. This move is designed to establish Phu Quoc as an independent, high-profile destination on the global aviation map.

Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, highlighted the aircraft's role in network development. "We are excited to work with Sun PhuQuoc Airways as they join other global airlines in flying the 787 Dreamliner, which connects the most countries of any widebody fleet," said Pope. "The 787-9's unmatched range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort will give the airline flexibility to open new long‑haul markets, lower operating costs and contribute to local tourism growth."

The order is a foundational step in an ambitious fleet expansion plan. Sun PhuQuoc Airways has stated its goal to expand its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030, signaling its intent to become a major player in the region's aviation sector.

Vietnam's Aviation Boom

SPA's significant investment is part of a broader trend of rapid growth in Vietnam's aviation industry. In the same week as the Sun PhuQuoc deal, Boeing also secured an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from national carrier Vietnam Airlines. Combined, these two orders represent nearly 100 new Boeing jets for Vietnamese carriers, with a total value exceeding $30 billion at list prices. This surge in aircraft procurement reflects strong confidence in the future of air travel and economic development in the country.

The growth is supported by a dynamic regulatory environment. A Draft Decree on Air Transport from the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction proposes easing capital requirements for new airlines. It also suggests raising the foreign ownership cap from 34% to 49%, a change that could attract significant international investment for carriers like Sun PhuQuoc Airways. Furthermore, the Amended Law on Civil Aviation of Vietnam, passed in late 2025 and effective from July 1, 2026, will introduce new provisions for management, safety, and security, modernizing the framework governing all domestic airline operations.

Why This Matters

This landmark aircraft order is more than a simple fleet transaction; it represents a strategic effort to create a new tourism-focused aviation model in Southeast Asia. By leveraging the capabilities of the Boeing 787-9, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is positioning its hub at Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC / VVPQ) to compete directly with established regional gateways. The move underscores the increasing integration of aviation and tourism development and signals strong investor confidence in Vietnam's continued economic expansion.

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