CEO of Sun PhuQuoc Airways: We link aviation development with destination development

From the vision of Sun Group, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) was born to make aviation the driving force for Vietnam tourism, starting from the Pearl Island of Phu Quoc.

Instead of competing on price or frequency, Sun PhuQuoc Airways – the airline officially launched by Sun Group on October 15th – has chosen a different path: linking aviation development with destination development. This was shared by Mr. Nguyen Manh Quan, General Director of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, in an interview with Thanh Nien newspaper. Mr. Quan affirmed that aviation is not just a business sector, but also a part of a larger picture of sustainable tourism development. He also shared his vision, strategy, and journey to bring the "wings of the sun" from Phu Quoc Island to the world.

* The aviation market has seen the emergence of several new players in recent years, meaning the competition in the skies is now quite fierce. What direction will Sun PhuQuoc Airways choose to assert its unique identity and position?

- Mr. Nguyen Manh Quan: It can be seen that in recent years, the Vietnamese aviation market has maintained a high growth rate, not only in the region but also globally. The government also aims to promote even stronger growth in the coming period, and this is clearly reflected in the prospects of the aviation industry - a sector considered the "engine" for economic and tourism development.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Quan - General Director of Sun Phu Quoc Airways

Overall, this is an open, dynamic, and rapidly developing market. Although there are only a few major domestic airlines, more than 30 international airlines operate flights to Vietnam, creating a naturally competitive, diverse, and attractive environment. Therefore, the emergence of a new airline is not about "joining the existing race," but rather about creating more choices, service capacity, and new value for passengers.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways doesn't follow the conventional path of competing on price or frequency, but instead aims for a different model – linking aviation development with destination development. We don't compete directly with other airlines, but rather through the attractiveness of the destination. If Bali, Phuket, or Jeju have their own airlines that contribute to boosting local tourism , then Phu Quoc – with its natural potential, location, and current infrastructure – fully deserves to become an international destination.

Our goal is to provide travelers with easier access to Phu Quoc Island, while simultaneously promoting the image of Vietnam to the world. Every Sun PhuQuoc Airways flight is an invitation – to Vietnam, to Phu Quoc, to the lands that are rising on the global tourism map.

* As you shared, SPA has chosen its own path and different values. So, what service standards will the company operate under – 3-star, 4-star, or aiming for international 5-star standards?

- With Sun Phu Quoc Airways, we choose the full-service approach – providing comprehensive and all-inclusive services. In fact, in the full-service model, there is no fixed classification like 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star as in hotels. However, our goal is to aim for international 5-star standards, in terms of products, services, and customer experience.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways was officially launched on October 15th.

Of course, it is a long journey, it is not possible to declare "5 stars" from the beginning, but needs a methodical development roadmap, gradually meeting all international criteria on quality, safety, comfort and service.

* With that positioning, will Sun PhuQuoc Airways' prices be set in the premium segment or another segment, to ensure both quality and accessibility for all residents and tourists, as the airline has stated?

- Ticket prices are always adjusted flexibly according to market supply and demand, seasonality, and aircraft availability. Therefore, when it comes to "price segments," the important thing is not whether it's expensive or cheap, but the value and experience that passengers receive.

At Sun PhuQuoc Airways, we don't define ourselves by price, but by our mission. Our goal is to connect and elevate destinations – especially Phu Quoc – making them more accessible to a wider audience, whether domestic or international. Therefore, our pricing policy is built on the principle of fairness, balancing high-quality service with passenger accessibility. Sun PhuQuoc Airways isn't an expensive airline, but a worthwhile one – where customers experience a difference in service and journey, commensurate with the standards of a 5-star airline embodying the Vietnamese spirit.

* Sun Phu Quoc Airways has a clear positioning regarding its mission and service segment; surely the airline also has a specific roadmap for acquiring and operating its fleet in the near future?

- First, we need to look at the overall context of the global aircraft manufacturing industry today. Both major manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, are under immense pressure regarding their supply chains and delivery schedules. Under current plans, new orders from any airline can only be delivered from 2030 onwards at the earliest. This means that even if you place an order today, it's unlikely you'll receive the aircraft before that time.

Therefore, Sun PhuQuoc Airways has developed a flexible fleet development strategy, combining long-term, medium-term, and short-term plans, and a mix of new purchases and leasing to ensure operational progress. We do not limit ourselves to a fixed model, but diversify our investment options, ensuring both financial efficiency and proactive resource allocation to achieve our fleet expansion goals in each phase.

It is important that we take each step firmly, but with a long-term vision, so that Sun PhuQuoc Airways can develop sustainably and catch up with international market trends.

Sun Phu Quoc Airways has received 3 out of its planned 8 aircraft for 2025.

* It's clear that Sun PhuQuoc Airways is taking a very systematic approach right from the start. So, what position do you expect the airline to achieve in the Vietnamese and regional aviation market by 2026?

- Our goal by the end of 2026 is to operate approximately 25 aircraft, thereby completing our domestic flight network and expanding to international markets in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. With this fleet size, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will have sufficient capacity to connect major tourist centers in Vietnam - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh - with Phu Quoc, while also expanding to international destinations such as Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, and Taipei.

We don't aspire to be the biggest airline, but rather one that is remembered for its distinctiveness and connection to the destination. When people think of Phu Quoc, they will think of Sun Phu Quoc Airways, as a symbol of convenience, friendliness, and enjoyment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ceo-sun-phuquoc-airways-chung-toi-gan-viec-phat-trien-hang-khong-voi-phat-trien-diem-den-18525102208574557.htm