Vietnam’s Sun PhuQuoc Airways cleared for commercial launch

The airline, developed and operated by leading Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group, plans to open ticket sales on October 15 and launch its first commercial flights on November 1.

The AOC is a vital legal endorsement confirming that Sun PhuQuoc Airways has met all operational and safety standards required to conduct regular commercial flights.

This certification grants the airline permission to operate commercially within the approved scope, following stringent compliance with safety and operational protocols.

To obtain the AOC, Sun PhuQuoc Airways successfully completed a rigorous approval process, including the development and validation of its operational documentation and procedures by the authority.

The airline also executed seven full-scale scenario simulations at its operations center, emergency evacuation drills, and a series of validation flights – covering both rerouted and nighttime operations.

Apart from the AOC, the airline was awarded the ATO certification, which authorizes Sun PhuQuoc Airways to independently train and develop high-quality aviation personnel to serve its operational and business plans.

Further strengthening its training capabilities, Sun Group signed a strategic partnership with Canada’s CAE, a global leader in aviation training, in late August to establish the Sun Aviation Academy.

Securing both AOC and ATO not only proves the airline’s operational readiness but also reflects a sustainable strategy of workforce self-reliance.

In its initial phase, the airline will operate a hub-and-spoke network centered on Phu Quoc, directly connecting the island with Vietnam’s major tourism and economic hubs.

Planned routes include Phu Quoc – Hanoi, Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc – Da Nang, as well as other key routes such as Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City – Van Don, and Da Nang – Phu Quoc.

In the foreseeable future, the airline will further expand its network from Phu Quoc to additional provinces and cities across Vietnam.