Paving the Way for Private Sector Participation in Vietnam's Aviation Industry

Vietnam’s aviation sector is entering a new development phase as domestic and international travel demand rises and tourism becomes a key part of the economy. Meeting this growth will require expanding infrastructure, improving service quality, and diversifying development models.

Role of private investment and policy direction

Increasing participation from the private sector is viewed as a critical driver, bringing additional investment and new approaches to management and market development. Policy changes, notably Resolution 68, emphasize equal access to opportunities and resources for private enterprises and aim to mobilize private resources to support aviation infrastructure and services.

Aviation is considered a sector where private investment should be encouraged because it connects economic centers, tourism, and trade. Private involvement can mobilize more capital for infrastructure and services and create a more diverse competitive environment, which in turn can help raise overall service quality.

Examples of private-sector participation

Sun Group is cited as a notable example of private-sector involvement in Vietnam’s aviation ecosystem. The group built Van Don International Airport, described as the first private airport in Vietnam, and developed Sun Air and Sun PhuQuoc Airways in commercial aviation. It also participates in the operation of Phu Quoc International Airport.

The group is also involved in airport planning research in locations including Phan Thiet, Con Dao, and Rach Gia, reflecting a broader ecosystem approach that links infrastructure, transport, and tourism.

Airline–tourism ecosystem model

Sun PhuQuoc Airways is highlighted for tying an airline to a destination-driven tourism ecosystem centered on Phu Quoc. The approach is aimed at attracting travelers worldwide and providing seamless experiences that extend from entertainment to resort stays.

Experts, including Professor Nguyen Hong Thai, argue that combining an airline with a tourism ecosystem can provide a competitive edge by helping control demand and coordinate services end-to-end. In this framework, aviation can act as a catalyst for expanding Vietnam’s global connectivity.

Potential impact on sector development

If models such as Sun PhuQuoc Airways prove effective, they could indicate a meaningful development path for Vietnam’s aviation sector—one in which airlines operate not only as transport providers, but also as bridges connecting Vietnam’s destinations with the world.

Resolution 68 envisions building globally competitive private enterprises, and aviation’s high level of integration and spillover effects are presented as making this objective particularly significant for the sector.