First Creative Details Emerge for Vietnam's New 'Resort in the Sky' Airline
Putting Bill Bensley at the creative helm is a bold statement of intent for Sun PhuQuoc Airways, but turning a lifestyle concept into a viable airline remains a challenging task.
A new Vietnamese airline is hoping to take flight by the end of the year: Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) will be operated by a subsidiary of local real estate and hospitality developer Sun Group.
Much is still unknown about the venture, which intends to operate a hub-and-spoke network from Phu Quoc island in southern Vietnam.
But attendees at the Skift Asia Forum in Bangkok this month heard some exclusive details from Bill Bensley, creative director of Bensley Design Studios.
'We're going to build – within three years – this 40-fleet airline,' Bensley told Skift CEO and co-founder, Rafat Ali. 'They want it to be very, very high-end … with half the plane in executive class and first class.'
Bensley spoke of his love for Vietnam and explained how this will manifest itself on the aircraft: 'I've identified about 35 of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam. These parts [will] then be painted full-body on the plane. Instead of a stripe across or a swish, the entire image of these 35 places are painted on the outside of the plane.'
Bensley said this imagery will 'carry through' into the aircraft. He will take a creative lead on numerous passenger-facing elements such as uniforms and menus. 'It's the whole deal, the whole imaging,' he added.
Bensley previously worked with the Sun Group on seven hotels in the region.
Watch Bill Bensley in Conversation with Rafat Ali at the Skift Asia Forum 2025:
RECORDED MAY 2025.
The investment case for the new carrier has received the green light from Vietnam's prime minister. Despite the ambitious timeline, there are no details about how SPA will source its aircraft. The Sun Group already operates a private jet business in Vietnam, however these planes are much smaller than those that will be needed for the new airline.
A statement from Sun Group said that along with domestic routes, it is considering international destinations, including Japan, South Korea, and China.
The company is using the term 'resort airline' to describe its vision: 'This innovative model combines transportation and tourism, where each flight is not merely a means of getting from one place to another but the beginning of a vacation, starting the moment passengers step on board and journey through the skies,' said a company statement.
The wider ambition is to 'transform every aircraft into a resort in the sky,' with amenities and services designed to create a sense of leisure and relaxation.
Sun Group already has a significant footprint in Phu Quoc through its hospitality and leisure portfolio. The company says it will package flights with these existing products.
A First-Time Project
Established as a go-to name for hotel, landscape, and interior designs, the world of aviation is new to Bensley and his team.
'It's a totally new thing for me. First time ever, but that's the thing that I like to do... We are asked to do a new project about once a day, so it's a great honor to be able to be very choosy about what we do,' he told the Skift Asia Forum.
Vietnam's Golden Visa Ambition to 23-Million Tourist Target
More Chinese tourists are now choosing Vietnam over Thailand. Smart visa policies could help keep it that way. The easier it is to get in, the more likely travelers, and their wallets, will follow. Read More
If realized, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will join Vietnam's five other major airlines. As well as flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, these include low-cost operators Vietjet Air and Pacific Airlines.
An initial investment of 2.5 trillion Vietnamese dong ($96m) has been allotted to the project. An undertaking of SPA's scale will require a figure many times higher, however additional sources of capital are currently unclear.
Major airlines already serving Phu Quoc include AirAsia, China Eastern, Korean Air, and Scoot. Skift analysis of data from Cirium Diio suggests around 25 carriers fly to the island, although some of these are only on a seasonal or charter basis.
What am I looking at? The performance of airline sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies.
The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more airlines sector financial performance.
Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
20 minutes ago
- CBS News
Paraglider survives being accidentally pulled 28,000 feet into air without oxygen
A paraglider in China has survived an unexpected climb to 28,208 feet in the air without oxygen after being caught in a powerful updraft, according to an account told to Chinese Central Television (CCTV). Peng Yujiang, an experienced paraglider, said he had been conducting a routine test of equipment just under 10,000 feet above the sea in northwest China's Gansu Province. "After a while, the wind suddenly picked up and lifted me into the air. I tried to land as soon as possible, but I failed," Peng told CCTV The 55-year-old man had found himself trapped inside a cumulonimbus cloud system, in a phenomenon described as "cloud suck", where strong updraft currents carry paragliders to dramatically high altitudes. Peng Yujiang was covered in ice during the incident which saw him lifted more than 28,000 feet into the air without oxygen CCTV "It was terrifying -- everything around me was white. I thought I was flying straight, but in reality, I was spinning," Peng told CCTV. He climbed to an altitude of 28,208 feet, which is nearly as high as Mount Everest, the highest mountain above sea level in the world. Footage from the flight's 360-degree camera shows the paraglider flying through thick clouds as ice forms around his exposed face and equipment. Although Peng appears calm in the video, he admitted in an interview with CCTV that the episode was deeply frightening. "It's still frightening to think about. I'm not sure about the future, but for now I definitely won't fly for a while," he said. He was handed a six-month flight suspension, as the flight site and airspace had not been approved in advance.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
3 Sustainable Suitcase Brands For Stylish Travelers
Young Asian woman carrying suitcase and holding smartphone on hand, walking in airport terminal. Recycled luggage used to get a bad rap. Some travelers thought it wouldn't hold up or assumed it lacked style. That's changed. The best sustainable suitcases today are tough, well-designed, and built with smart details you'd expect from top-tier brands. They don't just look good, they outperform the cheap carry-ons stacked in big box stores. These bags, crafted from materials such as ocean-bound plastic and recycled polycarbonate, are not only environmentally friendly but also visually pleasing. After testing several bags firsthand, these three stood out for their mix of durability, functionality, and design. Even if you don't pack light, they make it easier to travel responsibly. The genius check-in system designed by Solgaard. I didn't expect a suitcase to change the way I pack, but Solgaard's Check-In Closet really did. Designed by Adrian Solgaard, the bag is smart, streamlined, and actually useful, not just a sustainability talking point. What makes it stand out is the built-in shelving system. You pack your clothes into little shelves, compress the whole thing with straps, then lift it out and hang it directly in your hotel closet. No unpacking, no piles of clothes everywhere. It's kind of genius. The outer shell is made from ocean-bound plastic, and the brand makes a clear effort to walk the walk when it comes to eco-credentials. Every purchase helps pull plastic from coastal communities where it's likely to end up in the ocean. And the whole vibe? The bag reminds me of old-school steamer trunks reimagined for modern travelers. There's also a carry-on version — one with the same clip closure and a 'lite' option with zippers. I found the Check-In size roomy and smooth to roll, even when fully loaded. Just a heads-up: it's easy to overpack, and once it's heavy, it can be a bit difficult to handle. I've also heard from a couple of friends who travel constantly that the wheels can wear down over time, so it might not be the forever bag for hardcore frequent flyers. But for most trips, it's a serious upgrade. Actor Jon Hamm has been seen with this bag. Quince, the direct-to-consumer brand started by Sid Gupta, has figured out how to keep prices low without sacrificing design, quality, and responsible manufacturing. I tested their Expandable Carry-On in a deep forest green, made from recycled polycarbonate, and it felt solid — not flimsy or 'budget.' The company's pretty open about its production practices too, which I appreciate. And apparently Jon Hamm travels with one. Not that I base my gear choices on celebrity sightings, but still — it's a detail that caught my eye. In action, the bag glides easily and feels lighter than it looks. The expandable feature came in handy more than once — I always end up with a few extra items on the return leg (bottles of wine, bags of pasta). One heads-up: if you consistently stuff it to the brim, the zippers might eventually feel the strain. Guilty. I also liked the removable laundry bag, which makes separating dirty clothes way less annoying. Almost too pretty to use, Paravel comes in attractive colors and a vegan leather trim. Founded by Indré Rockefeller and Andy Krantz, Paravel has become the poster child for stylish, environmentally friendly luggage. The Aviator Grand Checked suitcase caught my eye, especially in the bold cherry-red color. The bag is built from recycled polycarbonate, aluminum, and zippers, then trimmed with vegan leather derived from recycled plastic bottles. If you want your bag monogrammed for that extra touch of luxe, they can do that, too. Paravel offsets carbon emissions through its shipping policy and clearly highlights its sustainability certifications, including Climate Neutral Certification, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and Global Recycled Standard (GRS), on its site. This suitcase glided effortlessly through airport terminals, even fully loaded. The sole issue I had was the glossy finish. While attractive, it scuffs easily. In truth, all bags wear down over time, but considering how pretty this bag is, I wish I could have sent it through the airport in a cover to keep it looking polished.
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Asia Agent Launches Tiered Monthly Support Packages to Help Brands Take Control of Their Supply Chain in Asia
Asia Agent Logo – Direct Manufacturing Support Across Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and China. Your Team on the Ground. Asia Agent introduces new monthly service tiers—Quarter-Time, Part-Time, and Full-Time—giving international brands direct access to factory support, quality control, legal assistance, and boots-on-the-ground teams in Asia's top sourcing hubs. Singapore - May 30, 2025 - Asia Agent, the go-to partner for direct, transparent manufacturing across Asia, has announced the launch of its new tiered monthly support packages—designed to give international brands full control over their production in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China. The new model offers three service tiers — Quarter-Time ($595), Part-Time ($995), and Full-Time ($1,795) — enabling companies of any size to afford real, boots-on-the-ground support in the region's top manufacturing hubs. 'We've seen too many brands fly blind — working through middlemen, getting stuck in trading companies, and losing money through poor communication, slow production, and bad quality,' said Eldad Shashua, Chief Strategy Officer at Asia Agent. 'This is about giving brands back their control. No commissions, no hidden fees. Just your own team on the ground.' Why It Matters Now With tariffs, supply chain instability, and rising China costs, many brands are scrambling to transition out of China — but doing it without local support is a gamble. These monthly packages give clients the power to: Every package includes access to local project managers, quality control officers, legal support, and Asia Agent's full operational infrastructure. One Flat Monthly Fee, Full Transparency Asia Agent's monthly plans are intentionally simple: clients pay a flat monthly rate for a set number of support hours. There are no markups on orders, no fees per container, and no conflicts of interest. The company emphasizes that all services are fully client-aligned: 'We never represent the factory. We only work for you.' Now Supporting All Major Asian Hubs With fully operational teams in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China, the packages offer both stability for current operations and flexibility to expand or shift production. About Asia Agent Asia Agent helps international brands take back control of their supply chain. Through on-the-ground teams, factory-direct relationships, and strict contracting, Asia Agent ensures clients reduce costs, improve quality, and manufacture without middlemen. Media Contact Company Name: Asia Agent Pte Ltd Contact Person: Eldad Shashua Email: Send Email Address:60 PAYA LEBAR ROAD 11-01 PAYA LEBAR SQUARE City: SINGAPORE Country: Singapore Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Asia Agent Launches Tiered Monthly Support Packages to Help Brands Take Control of Their Supply Chain in Asia
