HCMC – Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA), a new carrier invested and developed by Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group, has received regulatory approval to launch commercial air transport operations, with ticket sales set to open on October 15 and its first flights scheduled for November 1.
On September 25, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) issued Air Operator Certificate (AOC) No. 2025-669/CAAV for the airline, confirming that SPA has met all requirements to operate scheduled commercial flights.
The AOC process included approval of SPA’s operational manuals, emergency drills, and verification flights, including diversion and night operations. The airline completed seven tabletop emergency exercises at its operations control center and aircraft evacuation drills to demonstrate compliance with highest safety and operational standards.
On the same day, SPA also received an Approved Training Organization (ATO) No. 679-ATO/GCN-CHK, enabling it to independently train and develop high-quality aviation personnel to serve its operational and business plans.
SPA signed a strategic partnership in August with Canada-based CAE, a global leader in aviation training, to establish the Sun Aviation Academy. Together with the ATO license, this move highlights the airline’s strategy to develop a self-sufficient workforce and contribute to Vietnam’s long-term aviation growth.
Nguyen Manh Quan, chief executive officer of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, said the simultaneous approval of both AOC and ATO reflected the airline’s comprehensive preparation. “This is our strong commitment to delivering not only safe and high-quality flights, but also an exceptional experience backed by a team of elite professionals trained to the highest standards from the very beginning,” he said.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways will operate a hub-and-spoke network centered on Phu Quoc, connecting the island to major tourism and economic hubs. Planned routes include Phu Quoc–Hanoi, Phu Quoc–HCMC, and Phu Quoc–Danang, as well as other key routes such as HCMC–Hanoi, HCMC–Danang, HCMC–Van Don, and Danang–Phu Quoc. The network is expected to expand its network from Phu Quoc to additional provinces and cities across Vietnam.
Positioned as Vietnam’s first “resort airline,” Sun PhuQuoc Airways aims to provide direct, affordable flights while integrating with Sun Group’s resort and tourism ecosystem. Phu Quoc was recently ranked the world’s second most beautiful island by Travel + Leisure, and the new airline seeks to boost accessibility for both domestic and international travelers.
