Vietjet plans US flights, possible US listing

Vietjet is setting its sights on the United States with plans to launch direct flights and explore a potential listing on Wall Street. These ambitions were on show during a recent visit by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where she was welcomed by NYSE President Lynn Martin. The visit followed a major milestone in Seattle, where Dr Thao, Vietnam’s richest woman, celebrated Vietjet’s first Boeing 737-8 under a historic 200-aircraft deal valued at US$32 billion  – the largest aviation contract between Vietnam and the United States. At the NYSE, Dr. Thao highlighted Vietjet’s twin strategy: expanding its global flight network while gaining access to international capital markets. She also noted the potential for both Vietjet and HDBank, where she serves as standing vice chairwoman, to seek a dual listing in New York. “We will soon fly to the U.S., and we are also very excited to explore opportunities to raise capital in New York – the world’s largest stock exchange.” Dr. Thao said. “This is not only the aspiration of Vietjet and HDBank but also the dream of many Vietnamese enterprises seeking global integration.” According to NYSE, it hosts around 2,400 listed companies with a combined market capitalisation of nearly US$29 trillion. Martin – only the second woman to serve as the exchange’s president in its long history – has committed to supporting Vietnamese enterprises entering the U.S. market during Dr. Thao’s visit. Both Vietjet and HDBank are key constituents of Vietnam’s VN30 Index, representing the country’s top publicly traded companies that deliver strong returns for domestic and international investors. A dual listing on the NYSE, Dr. Thao said, would mark a significant step in their global expansion and bolster Vietnam’s profile in international finance. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]