Boeing and Sun PhuQuoc Airways announce order for up to 40 787 Dreamliner jets

Boeing has secured the largest widebody aircraft order in Vietnamese history, as Sun PhuQuoc Airways commits to purchasing up to 40 787 Dreamliner jets. The new carrier will use the 787-9 as the backbone of its long-haul fleet, operating from its hub at Phu Quoc International Airport.

The agreement, unveiled in Washington, D.C., marks the airline’s first direct aircraft purchase and underpins its ambition to position Phu Quoc as a premium global tourism gateway. The airline is backed by Vietnam-based Sun Group and follows a “resort aviation” hub-and-spoke model.

Strategic Long-Haul Platform

With a range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), the 787-9 will enable Sun PhuQuoc Airways to connect Vietnam’s largest island directly to key markets across Asia, Europe and North America. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency and lower operating costs are expected to support long-haul route development while maintaining competitive fares.

Boeing highlighted the Dreamliner’s passenger experience advantages, including larger windows and a lower cabin altitude, features designed to enhance comfort on ultra-long-haul flights.

Tourism-Led Growth Model

Sun PhuQuoc Airways aims to integrate air services with the broader tourism and resort ecosystem developed by its parent company. The carrier plans to expand its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030, targeting premium leisure traffic and supporting Vietnam’s fast-growing aviation market, forecast to expand at nearly 8% annually by 2030.

Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 535 new nonstop routes worldwide and carried over 1.2 billion passengers. For Boeing, the order reinforces Southeast Asia’s strategic importance and Vietnam’s position as one of the region’s most dynamic air travel markets.