Boeing and Sun PhuQuoc Airways have finalized an agreement for the Vietnamese carrier to purchase up to 40 787 Dreamliner jets, a deal poised to significantly expand air travel options to and from Phu Quoc Island. The order, announced February 18, 2026, represents the largest Boeing widebody order in Vietnamese history and underscores the growing demand for air travel in Southeast Asia. This investment by Sun PhuQuoc Airways aims to bolster both tourism and the overall economy of Vietnam’s largest island, positioning it as a key international destination.
The new airline, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, is a subsidiary of Sun Group, a Vietnam-based company with extensive holdings in tourism and resorts. According to Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group, the partnership with Boeing is “a strong foundation for building a world-class airline that operates in sync with the tourism and resort ecosystem Sun Group has developed.” The airline intends to utilize the 787-9 variant, citing its operational performance and suitability for connecting Phu Quoc to destinations across Asia, Europe and North America.
Expanding Connectivity to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc Island, a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, is set to benefit significantly from the increased air capacity. The 787-9 boasts a range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), enabling Sun PhuQuoc Airways to establish direct routes to key international hubs. The airline plans to operate a hub-and-spoke network, connecting Phu Quoc to both domestic and international cities. According to Boeing, the 787-9’s fuel efficiency and passenger comfort will contribute to lower operating costs and increased tourism.
The timing of this order aligns with projected growth in the Southeast Asian aviation market. Industry forecasts indicate that Vietnam is expected to be the fastest-growing aviation market in the region, with annual passenger growth of nearly 8% by 2030. This growth is fueled by rising incomes and an expanding middle class, coupled with increased tourism to destinations like Phu Quoc.
The 787 Dreamliner: A Modern Fleet Foundation
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family, first delivered in 2011, has become a popular choice for airlines seeking fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Boeing reports that the 787 fleet has launched over 535 new nonstop routes globally and carried more than 1.2 billion passengers. Features like larger windows and lower cabin altitude pressurization are designed to enhance the passenger experience.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “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.”
Sun Group’s Vision for “Resort Aviation”
Sun PhuQuoc Airways is positioning itself as Vietnam’s first airline named after an island, operating under a “resort aviation” model. The airline aims to provide a seamless travel experience integrated with Sun Group’s extensive resort and tourism offerings on Phu Quoc. Sun Group plans to expand the airline’s fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030, signaling a long-term commitment to the region’s aviation sector.
Phu Quoc International Airport Expansion
To accommodate the anticipated increase in air traffic, Phu Quoc International Airport is undergoing a significant expansion. According to Wikipedia, the development plan is scheduled for full implementation by 2030. The airport, which opened in December 2012, currently has a capacity of approximately 2.5 million passengers per year, with plans to increase that to 7 million. The airport is operated by Sun Airport JSC.
The order from Sun PhuQuoc Airways represents a substantial investment in Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure and tourism sector. As the airline prepares to capture delivery of its new 787 Dreamliners, Phu Quoc Island is poised to become an even more accessible and attractive destination for international travelers.
The next major milestone for Sun PhuQuoc Airways will be the delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner, with a timeline yet to be announced by the airline. Further updates on the airport expansion and the airline’s fleet growth will likely be released throughout 2026 and 2027.
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