Vietnam’s Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches Kazakhstan routes

Image: Sun PhuQuoc Airways

Fast-growing Vietnam-based startup carrier Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) has officially launched operations in Kazakhstan, establishing direct air links between the resort island of Phu Quoc and the Central Asian nation’s primary urban centers, Almaty and Astana.

The airline operated its inaugural nonstop flight on the Phu Quoc (PQC) – Almaty (ALA) sector on October 25. SPA will initially maintain a three-weekly frequency through the end of the year, scaling up to five weekly rotations before the conclusion of the winter 2026/2027 schedule.

The leisure-oriented route is operated using Airbus A321LR extended-range narrowbody aircraft. Alongside 186 standard Economy Class seats, the cabin configuration features 15 Sleeping Economy lie-flat convertible spaces—blocks of three adjacent seats outfitted with a mattress topper, pillow, and duvet.

As part of its Central Asian network expansion, the full-service carrier plans to launch a four-weekly service to Astana (NQZ) in November, utilizing Airbus A330-200 widebody.

Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet Air already serves the Kazakh market with its own flights, while its majority shareholder, Sovico Group, owns local carrier Vietjet Qazaqstan (Qazaq Air).

Sun PhuQuoc Airways is a subsidiary of Sun Group, a major Vietnamese conglomerate with interests in real estate, leisure, and tourism infrastructure. Having commenced commercial operations on November 1, 2025, SPA has rapidly expanded its fleet to 21 aircraft within its first year. Unlike regional low-cost competitors serving Vietnam’s resort markets, SPA is positioning itself as a premium, full-service operator.

The carrier’s current operational fleet comprises 16 Airbus A321 family aircraft (A321ceo, A321neo, and A321LR variants), four A320neos, and a single A330-200. SPA targets fleet growth to 32 aircraft by year-end, including four additional A330s. Long-term widebody capacity will be anchored by a firm order for 20 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, alongside options for an additional 20 aircraft.