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

New Vietnamese luxury carrier Sun PhuQuoc Airways has placed an order for up to 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets, marking the largest widebody aircraft deal in Vietnam's history. The agreement supports the airline's strategy to establish a significant long-haul network focused on international tourism.

Strategic Fleet Expansion

The order is a foundational step for Sun PhuQuoc Airways LLC (SPA), which only commenced commercial operations in November 2025. According to a press release from Boeing, the deal is valued at approximately $22.5 billion at current list prices. This move will transition the carrier, which previously operated a narrowbody fleet of Airbus A320-family aircraft, into the widebody market. The airline is owned by the Vietnam-based leisure and real estate developer Sun Group, which aims to create an integrated "Fly – Stay – Play” tourism ecosystem centered on Phu Quoc Island.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a long-haul, mid-size widebody aircraft with a typical range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km). This capability will enable Sun PhuQuoc Airways to launch new nonstop routes from its hub at Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) to destinations in Europe, North America, and Australia, directly targeting international tourists.

Growing Vietnamese Market

The announcement was made during a visit by Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam to Washington, D.C., highlighting the strengthening economic ties between the two countries. On the same day, flag carrier Vietnam Airlines also finalized an order for 50 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, underscoring a significant day for Vietnamese aviation.

This major fleet investment aligns with broader industry trends. Vietnam is widely projected to be Southeast Asia's fastest-growing aviation market, with anticipated annual passenger growth of nearly 8% by 2030. Sun PhuQuoc Airways' strategy represents a growing focus on 'resort aviation,' developing airlines based at leisure destinations rather than traditional capital city hubs. According to FlightGlobal, the airline plans to expand its total fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030. Delivery schedules for the new 787-9 aircraft were not disclosed.

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