Launched in March 2022, Sun Air is Vietnam's first charter airline and aircraft management company, and a Gulfstream authorised international sales representative. Just six months after starting up, it has been officially granted its air operator certificate by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), with approval for both domestic and international flights. In September and October 2022, its first Gulfstream G650ER aircraft entered into service.

Sun Air recently partnered with Gulfstream to host Airshow 2022 at Van Don International airport in Quang Ninh. The show marks an important milestone in the development of the premium aviation segment in Vietnam. The all new Gulfstream G700 made its Asia Pacific debut there as the first stop on its world tour; with the longest, widest and tallest cabin and a maximum capacity of 19 passengers, it is designed with up to five zones including a flexible living area, kitchen area and comfortable lavatory.

En route it set a new city-pair speed record, travelling from Istanbul to Van Don airport, a distance of 4,573 nm/8,469 km, in nine hours and two minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.90.

“We are honoured to bring the G700 and G600 to Van Don airport and join with our international sales representative Sun Air and its G650ER to showcase the industry leading performance and technology Gulfstream offers,” says president Mark Burns. “Vietnam and southeast Asia are strong developing markets for Gulfstream. As we see continued demand and fleet growth in the region, we are also bolstering resources to support customers there, including field service coverage from Gulfstream customer support and the Gulfstream FAST field and airborne support teams.”

Gulfstream Asia Pacific vice president Wayne Oedewalt adds: “Vietnam is emerging strongly and shows the potential for continuous growth for the business aviation industry, as well as the aviation industry in general. At Gulfstream we are constantly striving to improve the flying experience for our customers. We are proud to accompany Sun Air in its journey of 'elevating the elite' in the Vietnamese market, and that is why Vietnam was chosen as the first destination when promoting the G700 to the Asian market."

Airshow 2022 is the first time that the OEM has organised an aircraft exhibition separate to regular air shows. Sun Air operations director Reiner Suess says: “It is not easy for Gulfstream to agree to hold an aircraft show outside of the usual schedule of exhibitions that it participates in around the world. Therefore, this is a very special event, not only for Vietnam or Sun Air but also for Gulfstream."

Visitors were also able to see first hand the G600 and G650ER, two Gulfstream legends that have outstanding performance and high-speed capabilities, with the ability to fly farther and faster than any other aircraft, saving more than 50 hours of flight time per year with a flight speed of Mach 0.90, and to reach the most technically demanding destinations with superb take off and landing capabilities and range.

Sun Group board chairman Dang Minh Truong says: "The appearance of these luxury aircraft once again confirms our position in the field of international aviation. We are gradually catching up with other countries in the Asia Pacific region such as Thailand and Singapore, in developing infrastructure, attracting investment and improving people's quality of life. As well as meeting economic goals, Sun Group also aims to support national interests, in that it is ready to mobilise rescue and national security operations too.

"With the cooperation of Gulfstream, Sun Group is proud to add a new piece to the puzzle, increasing choices for Vietnamese customers who no longer need to go far to enjoy the best services and facilities in their own homeland."