Sun PhuQuoc Airways has placed an order for up to 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets, marking the largest widebody aircraft purchase in Vietnamese aviation history.
The Vietnam-based carrier will use the ultra-long-range aircraft to build its widebody fleet and connect international travellers directly to its hub at Phu Quoc International Airport.
The agreement positions the Boeing 787-9 as the backbone of the airline’s future long-haul operations, enabling nonstop routes linking Phu Quoc with major cities across Asia, Europe and North America. The announcement was recognised by senior Vietnamese leadership and U.S. government representatives alongside airline and Boeing executives.
The order reflects Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ strategy to develop a global network built around Vietnam’s growing tourism sector, with Phu Quoc positioned as a central gateway for international visitors. The 787-9 aircraft offer a range of 7,565 nautical miles, or 14,010 kilometres, giving the airline the flexibility to operate long-distance routes efficiently while maintaining competitive operating costs.
“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,” said Dang Minh Truong, Chairman, Sun Group. “We selected the Boeing 787-9 not only for its superior operational performance, but because it is the most suitable aircraft type to realize our vision of bringing Phu Quoc to the world and bringing the world to Phu Quoc.”
The Dreamliner family is designed to combine fuel efficiency with passenger comfort, featuring larger windows, improved air quality and lower cabin altitude pressurisation aimed at reducing travel fatigue on long-haul journeys. Boeing says these features have helped airlines open hundreds of new nonstop routes since the aircraft entered service in 2011.
“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 Stephanie Pope, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “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.”
Since the launch of the 787 programme, the global fleet has supported more than 535 new nonstop routes and carried over 1.2 billion passengers worldwide, strengthening international connectivity and expanding travel options for emerging destinations.
The expansion comes as Southeast Asia prepares for sustained growth in air travel over the next two decades. Vietnam is forecast to become the region’s fastest-growing aviation market, with annual passenger traffic expected to rise by nearly 8% by 2030, driven by tourism development, rising incomes and improved international access.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways is being developed by Sun Group under what it describes as a “resort aviation” model, combining airline services with integrated tourism infrastructure across the island of Phu Quoc. The carrier plans to operate nonstop connections between the island and key domestic and international markets while offering competitive fares and coordinated travel experiences.
The airline has outlined ambitions to expand its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030, positioning itself to capture premium tourism demand while supporting Vietnam’s broader connectivity goals. With the Boeing 787 Dreamliner now forming the core of its long-haul strategy, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is set to transform Phu Quoc from a regional leisure destination into a global aviation gateway.
