Sun PhuQuoc Airways Named Asia's Best Leisure Airline 2026

Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) has been named Asia's Best Leisure Airline 2026 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, marking a significant step in the airline's growth strategy. The airline is finalizing plans to receive eight Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, with four expected to join its fleet in 2026 and the remaining four to be delivered during the first four months of 2027. This expansion aims to connect Phu Quoc with more distant international markets, enhancing its appeal as a global resort destination. On July 25, SPA operated its inaugural Singapore-Phu Quoc flight, its fourth international route and the first by a full-service carrier connecting two of Asia's prime island destinations. Domestically, routes like Hai Phong-Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong-Phu Quoc are set to boost inter-regional connectivity and tourism, encouraging two-way visitor flows and creating new momentum for regional tourism development. The recognition comes as Vietnam's economy continues its robust growth, with trade flows approaching 30% year-on-year, driven by strong demand for consumer goods and production materials. Processing and manufacturing, particularly electronics, machinery, and equipment, continued to drive export growth. The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is enhancing Vietnamese businesses' competitiveness in the European market, with approximately 99% of tariff lines for Vietnamese goods now at zero import duties. However, this also requires businesses to improve their ability to meet increasingly strict market standards. Vietnam's commitment to sustainability is evident in the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which has surpassed Thailand and Indonesia and is above the global average of about 25%. This surge highlights Vietnam's proactive approach to green transitions, with the market being close to zero in 2020. These developments underscore Vietnam's increasing global presence and its pursuit of sustained economic development, while also navigating complex international relations and domestic growth imperatives.