The handover took place at Noi Bai International Airport, 9 days after Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) – the airline invested in and developed by Sun Group – received its first aircraft on 10/8. The Airbus A321CEO is one of the most successful aircraft models in commercial aviation history, thanks to its balance of operational efficiency and passenger experience.
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A Sun PhuQuoc Airways aircraft arrives at Noi Bai International Airport on the morning of 19/8. Photo: Sun Group |
A Sun PhuQuoc Airways aircraft arrives at Noi Bai International Airport on the morning of 19/8. Photo: Sun Group
The aircraft boasts the widest cabin in its class, with a fuselage diameter of 3.95 m and a cabin width of 3.7 m. This design allows for standard 18-inch wide seats with ample aisle space, providing comfort and ease of movement. The large overhead bins can accommodate cabin-sized rolling suitcases vertically, maximizing storage capacity.
Large windows maximize natural light. An anti-fatigue LED lighting system helps reduce jet lag on long flights. Enhanced soundproofing creates a quiet cabin environment. Air quality is also improved with a climate control system that can adjust temperature and humidity by zone.
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The SPA aircraft livery is inspired by the red hues of Phu Quoc's sunsets and the golden glow of its sunrises. Photo: Sun Group |
The SPA aircraft livery is inspired by the red hues of Phu Quoc's sunsets and the golden glow of its sunrises. Photo: Sun Group
According to an airline representative, the A321CEO's range of up to 5,950 km allows for more flexible operations. The aircraft is suitable for both high-density domestic routes and medium-haul international routes from Phu Quoc to Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
SPA's two A321CEO aircraft are equipped with CFM International CFM56-5B engines, a popular choice for airlines worldwide. The engines' technical status is monitored in real-time using advanced computer systems and analytical software, ensuring safety and operational stability.
The CFM56-5B provides flexible thrust, enhancing safety during takeoffs on short runways or in hot and humid conditions. Its Double Annular Combustor (DAC) reduces NOx emissions. The engine core architecture, inherited and upgraded from previous generations, optimizes durability and fuel efficiency.
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The new aircraft arrival ceremony. Photo: Sun Group |
The new aircraft arrival ceremony. Photo: Sun Group
SPA stated that the engine fully complies with ICAO's stringent environmental standards for emissions and noise. The aircraft is also capable of using blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), demonstrating the airline's commitment to green and environmentally friendly operations.
The simultaneous acquisition of two A321CEO aircraft not only improves operational capacity but also allows SPA to accelerate the development of its "hub-and-spoke" network. The airline plans to use Phu Quoc as a hub, connecting directly to key tourism and economic destinations domestically and internationally. "This will be a strategic direction to help Phu Quoc become a new aviation and tourism center in the region," the SPA representative emphasized.
Phu Quoc, a special administrative-economic unit under An Giang province, has been selected to host APEC 2027, further boosting the demand for air connectivity. Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group, stated that the entry of an airline like SPA will enhance Phu Quoc's standing on the global economic and tourism map.
"The addition of two A321CEO aircraft is an important step for Sun PhuQuoc Airways in enhancing operational capacity and completing its modern fleet. This also affirms the airline's strategic vision of connecting Phu Quoc with the world through flights with flexible mechanisms, reasonable fares, and quality service, so that all tourists can fly to the island conveniently and easily," Truong emphasized.
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Two Airbus A321CEO aircraft parked at Noi Bai International Airport on the morning of 19/8. Photo: Sun Group |
Two Airbus A321CEO aircraft parked at Noi Bai International Airport on the morning of 19/8. Photo: Sun Group
Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB Bank) partnered with Sun Group in bringing the two Airbus A321CEO aircraft into the Sun PhuQuoc Airways fleet. According to a Sun Group representative, since the handover of the first aircraft, MB Bank, along with other banks and financial institutions, has shown confidence in Sun PhuQuoc Airways' investment strategy.
"This is also the foundation for SPA to soon realize its vision of a modern, safe, and sustainable airline, helping to enhance the connectivity of Vietnam's aviation industry," the representative added.
Dan Minh
