The Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCM) and Vietjet announced the launch of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub (AAFH), an initiative under VIFC-HCM, at the Singapore Airshow 2026. The announcement ceremony drew leading global aircraft and engine manufacturers, as well as financial institutions, including Airbus, Boeing, CFM International, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The AAFH is being developed against the backdrop of a major restructuring in the global aviation industry, with Vietnam emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most resilient aviation markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, the AAFH offers specialised policy incentives for aviation finance under the legal framework of VIFC, including:
- Competitive tax and fee policies;
- Liberalised 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 that integrates finance with airport infrastructure, free trade activities, MRO services, training, and logistics, helping optimise costs and improve operational efficiency across the aviation value chain. By 2035, the AAFH is expected to facilitate approximately US$50 billion (approx. SGD63.6 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.
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 realising 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 selects RTX’s Pratt & Whitney GTF engines
Vietjet Air and Pratt & Whitney announced that the airline has selected an additional 44 GTF-powered Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including 24 A321neos and 20 A321XLRs, bringing its total orders to 137 GTF-powered aircraft. Deliveries will start in July 2026. Pratt & Whitney will also provide Vietjet with engine maintenance through a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement.
“Vietjet values our relationship with Pratt & Whitney and its latest generation technology,” said Vietjet Managing Director Nguyen Thanh Son. “The GTF engine is powering our growth with industry-leading operating economics and fuel efficiency of up to 20%. We continue to trust in the long-term, comprehensive and responsible partnership with Pratt & Whitney.”
Based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, Vietjet received its first A321neo aircraft in 2018 and currently operates a fleet of 42 GTF-powered A321neo aircraft. Prior to this order, Vietjet committed to up to 93 aircraft of this type.
“Ten years ago, Vietjet joined the Pratt & Whitney GTF family and this selection demonstrates the airline’s continued confidence in the GTF engine,” said Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines, Pratt & Whitney. “With this latest order, Vietjet will further realise the benefits of the most efficient engine for single-aisle aircraft and our ongoing commitment to enabling their network expansion.”
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