Taoyuan: Vietnam's Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) on Sunday inaugurated direct flights between Phu Quoc and Taipei, marking its first international route and a push into Taiwan's competitive travel market. According to Focus Taiwan, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Taoyuan Airport at 2 p.m. to commemorate the occasion, while the arriving flight was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, symbolizing the carrier's international debut after launching seven domestic routes in Vietnam. The service between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Phu Quoc will operate five times a week using newly delivered aircraft, stated Hsu Cheng-yi, general manager of the airline's general sales agent in Taiwan. Hsu noted that Phu Quoc is currently the only destination in Vietnam offering visa-free entry for foreign visitors. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, and Taiwanese travelers can stay on the island for up to 30 days without applying for an e-visa or paying visa fees. Hsu add ed that by combining direct flights with the resources of its parent company, Sun Group, the airline is positioned to compete in Taiwan despite rising fuel costs and intense market competition. Founded by Sun Group on Jan. 21 last year, Sun PhuQuoc Airways currently operates eight Airbus A321s and two A320s, and aims to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft by the end of this year. In addition to the Taipei route, the airline plans to launch services later this year between Kaohsiung and Phu Quoc, according to its Taiwan agent.