Sun Phu Quoc Airways. Photo: Shutterstock TAL Aviation has been appointed to lead the commercial operations of the Vietnamese airline Sun Phu Quoc Airways in European markets as part of the company's preparations to expand its international operations and enter Europe.
As part of the appointment, TAL Aviation is expected to develop the brand's presence in Europe, establish relationships with travel agents, tour operators and business partners, and expand the airline's distribution and sales network in the region.
The move comes against the backdrop of Sun PhuQuoc Airways' growth plans.
According to TAL Aviation, the airline currently operates 17 aircraft and plans to increase the fleet to 32 aircraft by the end of 2026. The planned fleet will also include four wide-body aircraft, designed to support expansion of the route network and flights to more distant destinations.
The Vietnamese airline signaled earlier this month its intention to expand its operations and enter the European market. As we reported, the company is advancing the purchase of long-range aircraft, which are expected to join the fleet during this year and early next year.
Alongside the upcoming acquisition, Sun Phu Quoc Airways also announced a plan to purchase 40 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, in a deal worth a reported $22.5 billion. The Dreamliners, if added to the fleet as planned, will allow the airline to build an intercontinental route network and significantly expand its operations outside of Asia.
The appointment of TAL Aviation indicates that Sun Phu Quoc Airways is not content at this stage with expanding its fleet alone, but is also beginning to build the commercial infrastructure required for operations in Europe. This infrastructure includes familiarization with local markets, developing sales channels, connecting to distribution systems, and strengthening ties with tourism and aviation authorities in each country.
For travel agents and tour operators in Europe, the move is expected to create a local commercial address for Sun Phu Quoc Airways. TAL Aviation will be able to help showcase the company's products, promote collaborations, and make its services accessible to the European market, in line with the development of its flight schedule and international programs.
The planned entry into Europe may also support Sun Phu Quoc Airways' efforts to strengthen tourism connectivity to Vietnam and in particular to Phu Quoc Island, which is considered one of the country's emerging holiday destinations.
Ilan Bar Moshe. Photo: Tal AviationIlan Bar Moshe, TAL Aviation's EVP Finance & Commercial, said: "We are excited to join Sun Phu Quoc Airways' growth journey and support the development of its operations in Europe. The combination of the company's expansion ambitions and TAL Aviation's long-standing experience and presence in international markets will create a strong platform for continued growth and building brand awareness among the tourism industry and travelers."
The appointment joins Sun Phu Quoc Airways' preparations to expand its operations outside the Asian market. Increasing its fleet, acquiring wide-body aircraft and building a commercial network in Europe provide the company with the necessary building blocks for the next phase of its growth plan.