U.S. aerospace manufacturer Boeing and newly established Vietnamese luxury carrier Sun PhuQuoc Airways have announced an order for up to 40 787 Dreamliner aircraft, marking the largest widebody aircraft deal in Vietnam’s history. The agreement represents the airline’s first direct jet purchase and underpins its ambition to position Phu Quoc Island as a new international hub for premium tourism in Southeast Asia.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will form the backbone of the airline’s future long-haul fleet. With a range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 kilometers), the aircraft will enable nonstop connections between the Vietnamese hub and major markets across Asia, Europe and North America. This capability opens the door to new intercontinental routes without technical stops, while maintaining optimized operating costs and high levels of passenger comfort.
The order was formally recognized in Washington, D.C., with the participation of U.S. government representatives and senior Vietnamese officials, highlighting the strategic importance of the transaction. Sun PhuQuoc Airways operates under Sun Group, which is developing an integrated “resort aviation” model that combines air transport with hospitality, tourism and large-scale infrastructure investments on Phu Quoc Island.
A new international airport on the island is scheduled to open in 2027, further strengthening the carrier’s long-term development plans. The 787-9 was selected for its combination of range, efficiency and passenger comfort. The Dreamliner is known for its larger windows, lower cabin altitude and advanced air filtration systems, helping passengers arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed, particularly on long-haul flights.
According to Boeing, the 787-9 will provide the airline with the flexibility to open new long-haul markets while reducing fuel consumption and emissions compared to older-generation widebody aircraft. Since entering commercial service in 2011, the 787 family has enabled the launch of more than 535 new nonstop routes worldwide and has carried over 1.2 billion passengers.
Vietnam is projected to be the fastest-growing aviation market in Southeast Asia, with annual passenger growth expected to reach nearly eight percent by 2030. Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to expand its fleet to as many as 100 aircraft by the end of the decade, targeting the premium international travel segment and positioning Phu Quoc as a globally recognized tourism destination.
