Multi-billion-dollar aircraft orders signal deepening aviation ties as Hanoi and Washington push ahead with trade negotiations
In a boost to aerospace trade between Vietnam and the United States, three Vietnamese airlines have signed agreements worth nearly $30 billion with Boeing for the purchase of 90 aircraft, even as the two countries continue negotiations on a fresh trade pact.
The deals were formalised during a visit to the United States by Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam. He was in Washington to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, an initiative launched by US President Donald Trump aimed at addressing global conflicts.
Vietnam Airlines expands narrow-body fleet
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines signed an $8.1-billion agreement to acquire 50 Boeing 737-8 narrow-body aircraft. The airline said deliveries are scheduled between 2030 and 2032.
The addition of the 737-8 jets is expected to strengthen Vietnam Airlines’ short- and medium-haul network, with the carrier projecting its total fleet to expand to around 151 aircraft by 2030.
In a further signal of long-term expansion plans, the airline said it is also in talks with Boeing for a potential additional purchase of 30 wide-body jets valued at up to $12 billion. If concluded, that would significantly deepen its long-haul capabilities and further cement Boeing’s footprint in Vietnam’s aviation market.
Newly established Sun PhuQuoc Airways signed a separate $22.5-billion agreement to purchase 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The wide-body 787-9 is typically deployed on long-haul international routes, suggesting the startup airline is targeting an ambitious global expansion strategy.
Low-cost carrier Vietjet also announced a $965-million financing agreement with Griffin Global Asset Management to fund the acquisition of six Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
Amid continuing US–Vietnam trade negotiations
The aircraft deals come against the backdrop of ongoing trade discussions between Hanoi and Washington. Earlier this month, Vietnam indicated it was willing to increase purchases of American goods after the White House announced in October that the United States would maintain tariffs of 20 per cent on most Vietnamese goods, while removing duties on select products.
The multi-billion-dollar aviation agreements are likely to be seen in Washington as a positive signal of Vietnam’s intent to narrow trade imbalances and deepen economic ties.
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