Luxurious Sun Air aiming for third-quarter take-off

Luxurious Sun Air aiming for third-quarter take-off

Sun Group, one of the biggest property and entertainment developers in Vietnam, last week received a licence to go ahead with Sun Air, an international-standard private jet airline.

The carrier will provide private jet management and air charter services once in operation, as well as sightseeing flights using helicopters and seaplanes.

Sun Group chairman Dang Minh Truong said, “The launch of the airline is part of the group’s sustainable development roadmap. Sun Air is not only a new product in our high-quality ecosystem but also contributes to a new development period of the luxury segment in the local aviation market.”

Market watchdogs said that it could be too early for a new airline because the market conditions remain unpredictable.

Lawyer Nguyen Tien Lap from LNT & Partners said, “To gain success, affordable prices and good services are among the decisive factors for a new air carrier to compete in the market. Many predecessors also did this. However, it needs many other favourable conditions and an efficient business plan too.”

Sun Group may have a strong advantage with Sun Air because it can connect the carrier with its high-end resort complexes, thus creating the first private deluxe entertainment service in Vietnam.

Sun Group plans to operate two Gulfstream G650ER jets. In the 2023-2025 period, the airline seeks to use four of these aircraft as well as one Gulfstream G700, one helicopter, and two seaplanes. In the future, the airline expects to utilise ultra-large and ultra-long jets such as Boeing BBJ and Airbus ACJ.

The airline also plans to work with leading brands such as Agusta, Airbus, Sikorsky, De Havilland Canada, Cessna, and Textron to provide safe yet extraordinary experiences to customers.

According to the latest report released by Honeywell, a major manufacturer of aircraft components, the demand for private jet travel is expected to grow over the next decade as wealthier travellers migrate to more exclusive modes of travel.

Operators in the business aviation sector are expected to purchase another 7,400 new jets over the next 10 years. There are six main commercial airlines in Vietnam: Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, VASCO, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines. In addition, Vietstar Airline, Green Planet Aiwarys JSC, Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, and Hai Au Aviation JSC are operating in the general aviation industry.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has recently requested a licence from the Ministry of Transport for new cargo airline IPP Air Cargo.