At the prestigious 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, SPA was named Asia’s Best Leisure Airline. Alongside this accolade, the airline ranked 99th in the World’s Top 100 Airlines, rising 57 places from 156th in 2025, and placed 5th in the World’s Most Improved Airlines ranking.
Skytrax is one of the world’s most respected air transport rating organisations. The World Airline Awards are determined through an independent global passenger satisfaction survey covering the entire travel journey, from airport services and cabin amenities to the quality of onboard service. For an airline that commenced commercial operations only 10 months ago, recognition in both a regional category and major global rankings represents a significant milestone.
Skytrax names Sun PhuQuoc Airways as Asia’s Best Leisure Airline
These achievements reflect more than SPA’s rapid progress in service quality and operational capabilities. They also provide early validation of the distinctive vision behind its establishment: to build an airline that goes beyond transporting passengers, expanding connectivity while creating new momentum for the growth of destinations.
For nearly two decades, Sun Group has been present across high-potential regions of Vietnam through integrated ecosystems encompassing infrastructure, hospitality, entertainment, and culture. SPA is the next strategic piece in that journey, bringing aviation directly into the destination-development value chain.
For an island destination, air connectivity is not merely a means of transport; it is an essential part of the economic infrastructure. Even the most compelling destination cannot fully realise its potential if access remains limited. Conversely, an air route cannot grow sustainably unless the destination it connects offers sufficient experiences to retain visitors.
The award serves as motivation for SPA to continue upholding safety and operational standards
SPA was established to address both sides of this equation. Operating under the “Destination Airline” model, SPA connects air travel with accommodation, resorts, entertainment, dining, events, and local transportation at the destination. The guest journey therefore begins not only when an aircraft takes off or touches down at the airport, but from the moment travellers search for a destination, select a flight, book a hotel, and plan their experiences.
The title of Asia’s Best Leisure Airline 2026 also recognises the “resort in the sky” experience that SPA strives to deliver on every flight. Supported by an established destination ecosystem, the airline is well-positioned to offer travellers a more seamless journey while adding a distinctive, high-quality Vietnamese aviation brand to the global map.
Consistent with its strategy of placing Phu Quoc at the centre of its network, SPA is expanding domestic and international services to key markets in Northeast and Southeast Asia, while progressively extending its reach to China, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries.
This strategy is not simply about increasing the number of routes. More importantly, it enables SPA to work proactively with partners to open and develop markets, laying the foundation for high-value travel segments such as leisure, MICE, destination weddings, events, and group tours. After all, an air route can only be truly sustainable when demand is sufficiently strong, stable, and maintained throughout the year.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways expects to reach a fleet of 33 aircraft in 2026
By the end of 2026, SPA’s fleet is expected to reach 33 aircraft, including five wide-body Airbus A330s. The fleet is projected to expand to 60 aircraft in 2027, with targets of 100 aircraft by 2030 and 200 by 2035, creating a foundation to bring an increasing number of domestic and international visitors to Vietnam in general and Phu Quoc in particular.
Alongside its rapid expansion, SPA defines safety, quality, and operational discipline as its core guiding principles. The airline’s on-time performance consistently ranks among the top in Vietnam’s aviation industry. The passenger experience is also continually refined at every touchpoint, from lounges and ground services to the onboard cabin.
Mr. Nguyen Manh Quan, Chief Executive Officer of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, shared: “Being named Asia’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax and entering the World’s Top 100 Airlines after only 10 months of commercial operations marks a particularly significant milestone for Sun PhuQuoc Airways. Supported by a structured investment strategy and an established destination ecosystem, we have steadily built safe, stable operational capabilities, expanded our fleet and route network, and continuously enhanced service quality. This recognition motivates SPA to further perfect the passenger experience, aiming to achieve a 5-star service standard accredited by a reputable international organisation at an early date, while contributing to expanding connectivity between Phu Quoc and the world.”
Nguyen Manh Quan, Chief Executive Officer of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, said: “Being named Asia’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax and entering major global airline rankings for the first time, just 10 months into commercial operations, is a significant milestone for Sun PhuQuoc Airways. In this short but intensive period, we have established a foundation for safe, reliable operations while expanding our fleet and route network and continually enhancing service quality. Our ambition is to achieve internationally recognised five-star service standards at the earliest opportunity. This recognition is both a tremendous encouragement and a strong incentive for SPA to uphold its safety and operational standards while further strengthening Phu Quoc’s connections with the world.”
SPA consistently maintains an on-time performance rate among the top in Vietnam’s aviation industry
SPA’s recognition at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards marks a major leap forward for the airline and demonstrates the initial effectiveness of an aviation development model integrated with destinations. Aviation paves the way to bring the world to Phu Quoc, while the tourism ecosystem provides compelling reasons for visitors to stay longer and return.
This role becomes even more prominent as Phu Quoc accelerates preparations for APEC 2027 – an event expected to put Pearl Island at the centre of regional and global attention. Alongside upgrades to the airport, transport infrastructure, accommodation, and conference facilities, the expansion of aviation capacity and international connectivity will help strengthen Phu Quoc’s readiness to welcome delegations, business leaders, and global travellers.
