Vietjet leads APAC growth with a US$6.1 billion fleet and financial commitment.
At the Singapore Airshow 2026, Vietjet unveiled a number of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding its fleet and bolstering regional aviation finance, further solidifying its position as a major force in the Asia-Pacific aviation industry. With agreements worth over USD 6.1 billion, these advancements offer new opportunities for the B2B travel industry and demonstrate a strong commitment to efficiency, scalability, and satisfying the growing demand for travel throughout Vietnam, India, and the larger Asia-Pacific region.
Vietjet’s position as a major partner in the recently established Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub (AAFH) by the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCM) is a significant statement. The AAFH is expected to handle about USD 50 billion in aviation transaction value by 2035 and is built to facilitate aviation financing, leasing, and infrastructure investment.
Leading more than USD 6.1 billion in early-stage aviation transactions, the airline is a key component of this strategy. This comprises a finance deal for aircraft with Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), a worldwide asset management company with headquarters in the United States, and an engine and maintenance service agreement with Pratt & Whitney, among other financial agreements.
Global financial institutions and manufacturers of engines and aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing, CFM International, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), attended the announcement.
Truong Minh Huy Vu, Chairman of VIFC-HCM stated, “The Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub’s debut is a significant step toward achieving our goal of transforming VIFC into a cutting-edge, transparent, and reliable global financial platform. In addition to offering incentives, we also draw in investors with our strong institutional foundation, capacity for innovation, and ability to link capital flows to the actual economy.”
“Airbus greatly values the role of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub in creating an efficient platform that links the need for next-generation fleet development with the global financial ecosystem,” stated Paul Meijers, Executive Vice President of Airbus. Airbus’ long-term dedication to developing cutting-edge finance solutions and promoting the aviation industry’s sustainable growth is demonstrated by its participation as an Honorary Strategic Member.
With around 600 planes already ordered, Vietjet is anticipated to be a major force behind the hub’s early aviation finance transactions, laying the groundwork for future regional aviation investment.
“The Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub represents a strategic milestone in reshaping how global capital supports the advancement of aviation and the broader economic landscape of Vietnam and the region,” stated Vietjet Chairwoman Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. Vietjet is dedicated to spearheading significant deals that contribute to the development of a sustainable and forward-thinking aviation finance environment in order to facilitate future regional expansion.
With the announcement of an order for 44 more GTF-powered Airbus A320neo family aircraft, comprising 24 A321neos and 20 A321XLRs, Vietjet and Pratt & Whitney further cemented the airline’s expansion, increasing its total orders to 137 GTF-powered aircraft. Engine maintenance is provided by Pratt & Whitney under a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement, and deliveries begin in July 2026.
Vietjet now has 42 GTF-powered A321neo aircraft in its fleet, having received its first A321neo aircraft in 2018. Up to 93 aircraft of this kind were promised by Vietjet prior to this order. When compared to engines from earlier generations, the GTF engine uses up to 20% less fuel and produces a 75% smaller noise footprint.
In addition to supporting increasing connections between Vietnam and important Asia-Pacific markets, the major announcements boost Vietjet’s long-term plan to promote regional economic growth.
