Vietnam’s newest airline, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, is banking on closer aviation ties with Thailand as it pursues aggressive international expansion, positioning Phu Quoc Island as a new regional hub for tourism and connecting traffic.
The full-service carrier owned by Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group views Thailand as a key partner in growing two-way tourism and attracting international transit passengers, rather than as a competitor, said La Vinh Nam, the airline’s deputy director of sales.
Speaking during a route-launching ceremony in Bangkok, he said the carrier plans to begin daily flights between Bangkok and Phu Quoc next month, marking its sixth international destination after Taipei, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore and Chengdu.
“We see Thailand as an important partner for tourism growth,” said Mr Nam. “The opportunity is not only Thai travellers visiting Phu Quoc, but also international passengers connecting through Bangkok from markets such as India, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia.”
Sun PhuQuoc Airways began operations late last year with its main hub at Phu Quoc airport. The airline seeks to capitalise on growing demand between Bangkok and the Vietnamese resort island, which is mainly served by low-cost carriers.
He said Phu Quoc is evolving into a higher-end tourism destination, creating room for a full-service airline offering enhanced connectivity and premium services.
The carrier’s expansion plans are closely linked to the development of Phu Quoc as a regional aviation and tourism hub. Sun Group, one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates, operates luxury hotels and tourism attractions on the island, including Sunset Town. The group also offers airport check-in services at selected hotels, while the island is home to a casino resort operated by other companies.
Phu Quoc is also preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2027, prompting major infrastructure investments. The airport is being expanded with a long-term goal of handling up to 50 million passengers annually.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways is targeting rapid fleet growth to support its network expansion. By the end of this year, the airline expects to operate 28 narrow-body aircraft and four Airbus A330 widebody jets, which will be deployed on long-haul routes including Russia and Kazakhstan.
The carrier aims to expand its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030 and more than 200 by 2035. The airline has also signed an agreement to purchase 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with deliveries expected to begin in 2031.
During the first half of 2026, the carrier operated eight domestic routes and three international routes, with plans to add 15 more overseas destinations by year-end, bringing its international network to 18 routes.
Despite geopolitical tensions and global aircraft supply shortages, Mr Nam said booking trends remain healthy and plane deliveries are expected to proceed on schedule.
“The demand for aircraft around the world is very high,” he said. “Whoever can get planes earlier has a better chance of winning.”