Boeing and Sun PhuQuoc Airways Order Up to 40 787-9 Jets

This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and additional details regarding the airline’s operational roadmap.

On February 18, 2026, Boeing and Sun PhuQuoc Airways announced a significant agreement for the Vietnamese carrier to purchase up to 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets. The deal, valued at approximately $22.5 billion at list prices, marks a major expansion for the airline, a subsidiary of the Sun Group, as it seeks to establish a “resort aviation” model connecting international travelers directly to Phu Quoc Island.

The signing ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., attended by Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam and U.S. government representatives. The agreement was formalized by Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of Sun Group, and Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. This acquisition represents the largest widebody commercial-aircraft order in the history of Vietnam’s aviation sector, signaling a shift in the region’s travel infrastructure strategy.

Deal Specifics and Aircraft Capabilities

According to the official announcement, the orders encompasses up to 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The 787-9 variant is known for its long-range capabilities and fuel efficiency, utilizing 25% less fuel than the aircraft it replaces. With a range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), the jet is capable of connecting Vietnam directly to major markets in North-America and Europe without the need for traditional stopovers.

In a statement regarding the partnership, Boeing highlighted the strategic fit of the Dreamliner for the airline’s goals:

“The 787 Dreamliner’s superior passenger experience and range capabilities will enable Sun PhuQuoc Airways to open new non-stop routes to key destinations worldwide, supporting the growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry.”

Stephanie Pope, CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes

While the deal is valued at roughly $22.5 billion based on list prices, industry standard practices suggest the final purchase price likely includes negotiated discounts common in large-scale fleet acquisitions.

The “Resort Aviation” Business Model

Sun PhuQuoc Airways is positioning itself differently from traditional flag carriers or low-cost airlines by adopting a “resort aviation” strategy. The airline’s primary objective is to integrate air travel with Sun Group’s extensive hospitality ecosystem, which includes resorts, theme parks, and entertainment complexes on Phu Quoc Island.

The operational goal is to bypass traditional transit hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN). Instead, the carrier intends to fly passengers directly to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) from long-haul origins. This strategy aligns with a major infrastructure upgrade at PQC, where a second runway and a new terminal capable of handling widebody jets are scheduled for completion by 2027.

Route Network Expansion

Sun PhuQuoc Airways, which commenced commercial operations in late 2025 with a fleet of Airbus narrowbody aircraft, is rapidly expanding its international footprint. According to the operational roadmap released alongside the order:

• Regional Launch: The airline’s first international route to Taipei is set to launch on March 29, 2026.
• Near-Term Expansion: Routes to Seoul, Busan, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Mumbai, and New Delhi are planned for the second and third quarters of 2026.
• Long-Haul Vision: The incoming fleet of Boeing 787-9s will facilitate direct flights to North American cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver) and European capitals (London, Paris, Frankfurt).

Market Context and Industry Impact

This order arrives during a period of robust growth for the Vietnamese aviation sector. While incumbents Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air currently hold over 80% of the domestic market share, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is carving out a specific niche focused on inbound tourism. The deal was announced concurrently with a separate order from Vietnam Airlines for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, indicating a broader pivot toward Boeing aircraft in a market that has historically relied heavily on Airbus narrowbodies.

AirPro News Analysis

The scale of this order suggests a high degree of confidence from Sun Group in the long-term viability of Phu Quoc as a standalone global destination. By vertically integrating the transport mechanism (the airline) with the destination product (the resorts), Sun Group is attempting to replicate the success of similar leisure-integrated models seen in other parts of Asia, albeit on a much larger scale involving widebody long-haul operations.

However, the “resort aviation” model carries distinct risks. Unlike network carriers that rely on a mix of business, cargo, and connecting traffic, Sun PhuQuoc Airways appears heavily dependent on point-to-point leisure demand. The success of this $22.5 billion bet will rely not just on filling seats, but on the timely completion of the Phu Quoc airport expansion in 2027 to accommodate these larger aircraft.

Furthermore, the choice of the 787-9 allows the airline to reach the West Coast of the United States and Western Europe efficiently. This capability is critical for the airline’s mission, as it removes the “friction” of transit stops that often deters premium leisure travelers from visiting emerging destinations.

Sources: Boeing Mediaroom