Singapore, February 4, 2026 – The Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCM) and Vietjet officially announced the launch of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub (AAFH), an initiative under VIFC-HCM, at the Singapore Airshow 2026.
The announcement ceremony was attended by leading global aircraft and engine manufacturers and financial institutions, including Airbus, Boeing, CFM International, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
A new financial platform for regional aviation growth
The AAFH is being developed amid a major restructuring of the global aviation industry, with Vietnam emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most resilient aviation markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most dynamic economic hub, the AAFH offers specialized policy incentives for aviation finance under the legal framework of VIFC, including:
- Competitive tax and fee policies
- Liberalized capital flow and foreign exchange mechanisms
- Multi-currency payment and flexible cross-border capital transfers
- An international-standard legal framework to protect asset rights and attract global talent
AAFH solutions are delivered through a “one-stop, multi-service” model, seamlessly connecting finance, airport infrastructure, free trade activities, MRO services, training, and logistics, helping optimize costs and improve operational efficiency across the aviation value chain.
By 2035, the AAFH is expected to facilitate approximately US$50 billion in transaction value. This will create new investment opportunities and enable investors to participate more deeply in high-value segments of Vietnam’s and the region’s aviation industry.
Commitments from global strategic partners
At the event, VIFC-HCM Chairman Truong Minh Huy Vu presented Honorary Strategic Membership Certificates to Airbus and Boeing, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers and technology corporations. Both companies are Fortune Global 500 members and are eligible for recognition as members of VIFC without formal registration procedures.
Paul Meijers, Executive Vice President of Airbus, said: “Airbus highly values the role of the Asia–Pacific Aviation Financial Hub in establishing an effective platform that connects the demand for next-generation fleet development with the global financial ecosystem. Participating as an Honorary Strategic Member reflects Airbus’ long-term commitment to advancing innovative financing solutions and supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation industry.”
Dr. Truong Minh Huy Vu, Chairman of VIFC-HCM, said: “The launch of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub marks an important step in realizing our vision of building VIFC into a modern, open, and trusted international financial platform. We attract investors not only through incentives, but through institutional quality, innovation capacity, and our ability to directly connect capital flows with the real economy.”
Vietjet – Founding member and transaction anchor
The establishment of the AAFH in Vietnam is supported by key aviation enterprises, with Vietjet serving as a founding member.
With nearly 600 aircraft on order by Vietjet — one of the largest aircraft order backlogs globally — and substantial long-term financing demand, Vietnamese airlines, particularly Vietjet, play a critical role in driving early-stage aviation finance transactions, creating foundational deal flow for the hub.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, said: “The Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub marks a strategic milestone in reshaping how global capital supports the advancement of aviation and the broader economic landscape of Vietnam and the region. Vietjet is committed to leading high-impact transactions that help strengthen a forward-looking and sustainable aviation finance ecosystem to support future regional growth.”
Major agreements at Singapore Airshow 2026
During the Singapore Airshow 2026, Vietjet signed a series of major aircraft engine and financing agreements with leading global partners, totaling over US$6.1 billion.
Specifically, Vietjet and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX company and a global leader in aircraft engines and engine services, signed an agreement for engine selection and maintenance services to power 44 A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft.
Vietjet also signed aircraft financing agreements, including with Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), a leading U.S.-based global asset management firm managing approximately US$2 trillion in assets.
Vietnam’s new positioning in global aviation finance
Asia-Pacific is projected to become the world’s largest aviation market in the coming decades. With the participation of Vietjet and global partners such as Airbus, Boeing, and leading aircraft engine manufacturers, the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub is expected to emerge as a new destination for international aviation finance capital.
The initiative also represents a key milestone in Vietnam’s roadmap to deeper participation in high-value segments of the global aviation industry.
