Vietnam's Sun Group injects 1 trillion dong into new leisure-focused airline
[HO CHI MINH CITY] Vietnamese real estate and hospitality giant Sun Group has launched its leisure-focused airline, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA), with an equity contribution of 1 trillion dong (S$49.2 million).
The amount is part of a total investment of 2.5 trillion dong for the 50-year project. The developer said SPA plans to start ticket sales by October.
With an air transport licence issued by Vietnam's Ministry of Construction, the airline – named after the country's largest island and tourist hot spot in the south – is set to operate both commercial and charter flights.
It will connect Phu Quoc with major cities within and beyond Vietnam, including markets currently lacking direct air links such as Russia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Australia.
SPA is developing a hub-and-spoke network model centred on Phu Quoc, with a focus on 'leisure aviation' – that is, air travel primarily for recreation, tourism and holiday purposes.
While the island will serve as the airline's central hub, its main operations will be in Van Don International Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh – home to Ha Long Bay, also one of Vietnam's most iconic tourist destinations.
A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU
Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business
Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies.
Sign Up
Sign Up
The new airline is part of Sun Group's integrated ecosystem in Phu Quoc, which encompasses integrated resorts, high-end residential projects and entertainment complexes.
In 2022, the hospitality giant opened luxury airline Sun Air, which offers high-end private services via its fleet of ultra-luxury business jets, helicopters and seaplanes.
SPA said it is in talks with Boeing to purchase aircraft, and will use narrow-body planes from Airbus for its early operations. A Vietnam News Agency report last month showed that SPA aims to have a fleet of 31 aircraft by 2030.
Sun Group chairman Dang Minh Truong said the new airline 'represents a strategic pillar in our vision to build a world-class ecosystem of tourism, resorts, entertainment and aviation.'
Phu Quoc's international airport is slated for a major upgrade ahead of the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum, which will be held on the island. It is slated to handle up to 18 million passengers annually, 4.5 times its current capacity.
Sun Group's new airline is expected to ease transportation pressures during the event and boost tourism on the island, accommodating thousands of delegates, top leaders and business executives from the 21 Apec member economies.
SPA will operate alongside other home-grown airlines, including flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, budget airline VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines.
The country welcomed 9.2 million international arrivals in the first five months of 2025, representing a 21.3 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the National Statistics Office.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Independent Singapore
3 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Enjoy 6 long weekends next year! Singapore public holiday dates for 2026
Depositphotos/ChinaImages SINGAPORE: Singaporeans can enjoy six long weekends next year, as the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Monday (June 16) announced the dates of public holidays for 2026. The six long weekends include: Good Friday: Friday, April 3 Labour Day: Friday, May 1 Vesak Day: Sunday, May 31 (with Monday, June 1, as a public holiday) National Day: Sunday, Aug 9 (with Monday, Aug 10, as a public holiday) Deepavali: Sunday, Nov 8 (with Monday, Nov 9, as a public holiday) Christmas Day: Friday, Dec 25 The other public holidays are: New Year's Day – Thursday, Jan 1 Chinese New Year – Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb 17 and 18 Hari Raya Puasa – Saturday, March 21 (subject to confirmation) Hari Raya Haji – Wednesday, May 27 (subject to confirmation) Employees who are required to work on a public holiday are entitled to an extra day's basic salary on top of their gross rate of pay for that day, according to MOM. See also Pokemon Center opens at Jewel Changi Airport Still, employers and employees may mutually agree to substitute the public holiday with another working day. Employers can also choose to grant time-off-in-lieu, based on a mutually agreed number of hours, to employees who work on a public holiday. For more information on public holiday provisions under the Employment Act, visit here . /TISG Read also: Non-life-threatening 995 calls to be redirected to medical triage helpline from June 1
Independent Singapore
3 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Local asks if anyone else is overwhelmed by the 'sheer number of people' in SG
SINGAPORE: When a local Reddit user asked whether anyone else felt overwhelmed by the number of people in Singapore, many people chimed in with answers. In response to the post author, some shared their mechanisms for dealing with crowds. '735.7 (sq km) hosting 5 million people. One of the densest countries in the world. Does anyone feel claustrophobic surrounded by so many people, especially during peak hours? How do you cope with it?' wrote u/BedOk577 in an r/askSingapore post on Sunday (June 15). From the large number of responses to the post, it was obvious that the post author is not the only one who feels this way. The top comment is from a Reddit user who shared their 'ways to avoid the crowds as much as possible.' '1. Go to work early to avoid the rush hour traffic (arrive around 7:40 a.m. at the office) 2. Leave early (around 5:00 p.m.) 3. Early lunch (11:15 a.m.) See also Samsung launches Note 20 series in Singapore 4. Groceries are delivered regularly, so I don't have to brave the crowded supermarkets 5. Don't leave the house during weekends,' they wrote, adding that they ordered most of the stuff for their home and had it delivered. When another expressed frustration: 'We can't even enjoy weekends outdoors because of crowd + heat,' many others quickly agreed. 'Exactly. Weather plus crowd are the most underrated factors to happiness, yet people only look at money and the ability to buy stuff as the happiness index,' one wrote. Another shared the spots around the city-state that they still find relaxing, including East Coast Park, which is cooled by the wind and has parts that are not crowded. 'Or if u just want a quiet afternoon reading a book while enjoying Chagee, you can go TJPG MRT Chagee during weekends. No crowd at all. There are also a lot of small museums spread across Singapore with aircon and activities for you to try,' they wrote, adding that those who frequent touristy and main interchange areas are bound to feel overwhelmed because of the heat and crowds. 'It's unfortunate that weekends used to be an opportunity for me to go outside without it being related to work, but now it's a chore. Crowds everywhere, hot weather, have to jostle for everything of interest, and I really dislike how public transport frequency on the weekends is considered off-peak, which just means more people packed in trains,' wrote another. One shared that their coping mechanism is 'going on frequent trips out of Singapore haha,' but added that this can be costly. In contrast, another wrote that they 'Stay at home. Spend so much on BTO (build to order) and Reno, be at peace at home.' Some noted that Singapore's planners did a good job, especially compared to Hong Kong, which is less dense but feels more crowded. 'Try to go out during non-peak hours, but recently come to realise even non-peak hours are getting crowded. I always wonder where the people are coming from and where they are going. 😅 Used to go to parks for a walk but due to the recent extremely hot weather, I chose to stay home instead to do some simple decluttering or just watching videos,' wrote another. /TISG See also Ow To Run A Family Foodcourt Read also: Daniel Liu and the 10 million population handicap
Independent Singapore
5 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
The millionaire mindset: 3 powerful ways wealthy people think differently
What distinguishes those who create long-term wealth from those who live paycheck to paycheck and struggle financially? According to a recent article from New Trader U, it's not just earnings, inherited wealth, education, or pure chance. The difference lies in mindset, how people approach life, and what they think about money, opportunity, and how they spend the most valuable resource on earth—time. Research indicates that self-made billionaires have espoused mental agendas that unswervingly direct their decisions and choices toward continuing success. These aren't innate qualities or strictly protected secrets; these are hands-on, easy-to-learn methods of thinking that anyone can acquire and develop. Here are three fundamental patterns of thinking that distinguish wealthy individuals: Long-term advanced thinking People of permanent wealth are reinforced by a mindset that favors 'long-term' over 'short-term.' Instead of pursuing instantaneous rewards or freaking out about short-term expenditures, they ask—How will this decision affect my finances 10 or 20 years from now? See also The Cheapest & Most Expensive Areas to Live in Singapore This future-focused mentality changes their behavior and, ultimately, their actions. Rather than indulging in fleeting pleasures, they invest in growing assets, such as businesses, stocks, and real estate. They also understand that time is the ultimate leverage factor. In their professions, they are more into learning, gaining experience, and networking. They understand that acquiring experience may not immediately yield compensation, but that it lays the groundwork for future success. The capacity to postpone self-gratification is a trademark of sustainable wealth-building. 'It can't be done' vs. 'This is possible' Where others see impediments, the wealthy see launchpads and building blocks. This approach is particularly evident in times of economic recessions, failed attempts, and personal disappointments. While most would react with distress or defeat and then withdraw completely from life, financially successful individuals view these episodes as remarkable opportunities to innovate or transpose for advancement. They meet challenges head-on and with curiosity, not panic, asking, 'How can I benefit from this?', 'What can I learn from this situation?' rather than 'Why is this happening to me?' Wealth machines vs. paychecks The wealthy don't just work for money; they build systems that make money for them. While many people focus on increasing their pay, wealthy individuals concentrate on accumulating assets that generate passive income. This mentality frees them from the trap of swapping time for money that can lead to financial independence. All financial decisions are sifted through a simple lens—Will this multiply in value or create income? If not, they move on. Mindset: The first investment These three thought patterns are not kept back for a select few. They're psychological habits anyone can espouse and implement. The good news is that you don't need so much wealth to begin thinking like a well-heeled individual. Start with one change—ask better questions, meet a challenge head-on, or use your time on something that will pay off in the future. When you're consistent, your mindset can become your most treasured asset on your ride to financial independence. See also What Are Singapore Treasury Bills and Are They a Good Investment?
