The skies over Vietnam welcomed a new pair of wings as Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA), a member of Sun Group, officially commenced commercial operations.
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Sun PhuQuoc Airways welcomes the first passengers. (Photo: Sun Group) |
At 7:15 a.m., the airline’s inaugural commercial flight, numbered 9G1203, departed from Noi Bai Airport, carrying 220 passengers to the Pearl Island Phu Quoc aboard an Airbus A321. The following flights, 9G1969 (08:50–09:50) from Ho Chi Minh City and 9G2969 (08:35–10:20) from Da Nang, soon took off as well — all heading toward Phu Quoc, affirming Sun Group’s strategic commitment to accompany the island’s development and help transform it into a world-class destination and an emerging aviation hub in the region.
Among them, the Da Nang – Phu Quoc flight was a special celebratory service marking the airline’s official launch. This route is scheduled to enter regular operation from March 2026. Meanwhile, the three domestic routes — Phu Quoc – Hanoi, Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City — will be officially operated on a regular basis starting November 1, 2025.
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The flight crew warmly welcome the first little passenger on board. (Photo: Sun Group) |
“Today marks a truly special milestone for both Sun Group and Sun PhuQuoc Airways. This is not only the beginning of a new airline, but also the start of a new approach where aviation and tourism go hand in hand to deliver distinctive travel experiences,” said Nguyen Manh Quan, CEO of Sun PhuQuoc Airways.
On its inaugural day of operation, every boarding pass was stamped with the words “First Flight – 1.11.2025”, while each passenger seat featured a specially designed souvenir set bearing Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ signature Sun symbol — a heartfelt gesture of appreciation from the airline to its very first travelers on this memorable milestone. Additionally, passengers were treated to a signature pastry from Eric Kayser, the renowned French bakery brand with nearly three decades of global heritage.
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Passengers are served a special pastry from Maison Kayser. (Photo: Sun Group) |
On the first flight from Hanoi to Phu Quoc, guests also received an exclusive musical gift — a live violin performance high above the clouds. The melodies that filled the cabin created a serene, uplifting atmosphere, leaving passengers with a lasting and emotional impression of this remarkable journey.
To celebrate its inaugural flights, the airline also introduced two exclusive bilingual publications available onboard: S.P.A Magazine and S.P.A Visit Phu Quoc. S.P.A Magazine is curated for readers passionate about travel and culture, offering unique perspectives and rich insights into destinations across Vietnam and the world — through the lens of travel bloggers, photographers, and creative pioneers in the arts and lifestyle fields. Meanwhile, S.P.A Visit Phu Quoc serves as a comprehensive travel guide dedicated to the Pearl Island, inviting passengers to embark on a complete journey of discovery with detailed recommendations on where to stay, dine, explore, and experience on one of the world’s top three most beautiful islands.
Passenger Minh Anh (Hanoi) shared her excitement, “I booked my ticket as soon as the airline opened sales to experience the very first flight. The service feels polished and friendly. It’s truly a memorable journey, and I believe this airline will soon become a familiar choice for many travelers.”
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S.P.A Magazine (Photo: Sun Group) |
The first flights of Sun PhuQuoc Airways touched down at Phu Quoc International Airport under a celebratory water cannon salute. Passengers were warmly greeted by representatives of the airline and presented with a pilot-themed “Sunny” plush mascot, symbolizing joy and good fortune on their journeys. Awaiting them outside were colorfully decorated complimentary shuttle buses, ready to take the new arrivals into a world of leisure and discovery — from premium resorts to vibrant entertainment at Sunset Town, where a grand ceremony was held that same afternoon to debut a range of new attractions. These included the Tramonto zone of La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton; the Sunset Bazaar; the first Eric Kayser French bakery in Vietnam; the Kiss Square; the YumYum and Beer King minishows; and notably, the new edition of “Symphony of the Sea” — a spectacular production blending light, fireworks, and extreme water performances, delivering an unforgettable finale to this milestone day.
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The first passengers land at Phu Quoc International Airport. (Photo: Sun Group) |
The successful launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ inaugural flights marks not only the debut of a new airline brand in Vietnam’s aviation landscape, but also the arrival of a new, affordable travel option that makes Phu Quoc more accessible to travelers of all ages. The milestone comes at a crucial time, helping to meet the surging travel demand during Phu Quoc’s peak tourism season and the upcoming Lunar New Year 2026.
From early 2026, the airline plans to expand its network and increase flight frequency, officially launching regular routes connecting Da Nang – Phu Quoc and Nha Trang – Phu Quoc in March 2026. In the same year, Sun PhuQuoc Airways also aims to open direct international flights from Phu Quoc to the Republic of Korea, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), and India — reinforcing its mission to position Phu Quoc as a regional aviation and tourism hub.
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Sun PhuQuoc Airways contributes to meeting the rising travel and tourism demand during Phu Quoc’s golden season. (Photo: Sun Group) |
The airline’s launch comes as Phu Quoc transitions into a special administrative zone under An Giang province and is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2027, welcoming 10,000–12,000 delegates, including leaders from 21 APEC member economies such as the US, Russia, China, and Japan.
With this anticipated growth in international arrivals, the presence of a modern, well-planned Vietnamese airline like Sun PhuQuoc Airways will play a pivotal role in enhancing air connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and service quality, bringing tangible benefits to both local communities and Vietnam’s broader economic ambitions.
Source: VNA