Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet sign $14.4bn US aerospace deals amid trade talks

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have signed aerospace contracts with American companies worth a combined $14.4 billion, including $8.1 billion in aircraft orders from Boeing.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines confirmed it has ordered around 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and has opened discussions for a potential future purchase of about 30 additional wide-body jets. The airline said the agreement supports its goal of becoming a leading carrier in the region by 2030.

Low-cost carrier Vietjet Air announced two separate contracts totaling $6.3 billion. Approximately $5.4 billion will be spent on engine supply and maintenance for 44 Airbus A320 series aircraft through US engine maker Pratt & Whitney. The remaining $960 million will go toward leasing six Boeing 737 aircraft from Griffin Global Asset Management.

The agreements were signed during Vietnamese leader To Lam’s visit to Washington, where he is expected to attend the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace.”

The deals come as Vietnam and the United States continue negotiations over US tariffs on Vietnamese goods, currently set at 20 percent.

Despite the tariff pressure, Vietnam’s export-driven economy has remained resilient. The Southeast Asian manufacturing hub recently recorded economic growth of around eight percent, defying concerns that higher US duties could undermine its expansion.