According to Sun Group, this marks the first regular direct route connecting Phu Quoc directly with Chengdu. Flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The inaugural flight, 9G610, departed from Phu Quoc International Airport on 16/7 at 16h40 and landed at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport at 21h05 (local time). The return flight, 9G611, departed Chengdu at 22h05 and arrived in Phu Quoc at 0h35 on 17/7.

Passengers on the inaugural flight. *Photo: SPA*

On the opening day, the Chengdu to Phu Quoc flight achieved an occupancy rate exceeding 90%. This reflects the strong demand for connectivity between the two destinations and Phu Quoc's growing appeal to tourists from Southwest China.

During the inaugural flight, Liu Yu Ting, a tourist from Chengdu, shared that Phu Quoc is still a relatively new destination for her and her family, making them eager to explore it. "Previously, there were no direct flights, so I couldn't arrange a trip. Now, everything is much more convenient," Liu Yu Ting stated.

Following the Phu Quoc - Chengdu route, SPA will launch the Chengdu - TP HCM route on 12/8, also with three round-trip flights weekly. The phased introduction of these routes helps expand connectivity between Vietnam and Southwest China. With a population exceeding 21 million, Chengdu is a vital economic, commercial, and transportation hub in China, and it belongs to the country's fast-growing outbound tourism markets.

Representatives of Phu Quoc International Airport present gifts to the inaugural flight's passengers. *Photo: SPA*

Zhang Wei, a tourist from Chengdu, expressed satisfaction with the flight quality. He mentioned that he initially expected a new airline to offer only basic services, but Sun PhuQuoc Airways provided an experience beyond expectations. "The cabin was clean and pleasant, the flight attendants were very enthusiastic, the meal was delicious, and the journey was very comfortable, making me even more eager to explore Phu Quoc," Zhang Wei commented.

Onboard, Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) implements its "Resort in the Sky" leisure airline model. This offers a seamless journey with checked baggage and meals based on ticket class, new-generation cabins, the signature La Festa fragrance, a wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, and a menu combining culinary essences from various cultures.

The airline's flight attendants welcome passengers. *Photo: SPA*

Passengers holding their boarding passes can receive a complimentary Sun World Hon Thom cable car ticket and enjoy discounts of up to 30% on resort, dining, spa, and entertainment services within the Sun Group ecosystem in Phu Quoc. Becoming a Sun Signature member, Sun Group's loyalty program, allows passengers to accumulate reward points from each flight, redeemable for airline tickets, services, and unlocking more privileges across the entire ecosystem.

A representative for the airline stated that choosing Chengdu as the first destination in Southwest China aligns with Sun PhuQuoc Airways' strategy to expand its presence in one of China's fastest-growing outbound markets.

Many experts believe Phu Quoc remains a new destination for tourists from Southwest China. The launch of this route creates significant potential for market development and boosts tourist exchange between the two locations.

Passengers in Chengdu checking in for their flight. *Photo: SPA*

Alongside the Chinese market, the airline is expanding its route network to Malaysia, India, Japan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. It is also developing additional domestic connections to Phu Quoc using a "hub-and-spoke" model, gradually increasing access to the Pearl Island from both domestic and international source markets.

The company is implementing this network expansion alongside plans to increase its fleet to 32 aircraft by 2026, introducing Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft starting in September. These are crucial foundations for Sun PhuQuoc Airways to realize its "Rise to the World" strategy and gradually establish Phu Quoc as a new aviation and tourism hub in the region.

Thai Anh