The newly-established Asia-Pacific Aviation Finance Hub (AAFH), based in Ho Chi Minh City, is expected to attract over $6.1 billion in initial transactions, creating a platform to connect international capital flows with the aviation industry in Vietnam and the broader region.
The Vietnam International Financial Center in HCM City (VIFC-HCM), in collaboration with Vietjet, announced the establishment of the AAFH, at the Singapore Airshow 2026 on February 4.
The event saw participation from leading global aircraft and engine manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, CFM International, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce, as well as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and various international financial institutions.
The AAFH is being developed amid a global aviation restructuring, with the Asia-Pacific region projected to remain the primary driver of growth.
The hub is set to implement specialized financial mechanisms under the legal framework of Vietnam's international financial center. These include competitive tax and fee policies, flexible capital and foreign exchange mechanisms, multi-currency payments, and legal standards designed to protect property rights and attract international experts.
The hub's operational model aims to integrate financial services, airport infrastructure, free trade, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, training, and logistics to support the entire aviation value chain. According to the strategic plan, the transaction volume at the aviation finance hub could reach approximately $50 billion by 2035.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Truong Minh Huy Vu, Chairman of VIFC-HCM, stated that the launch of this regional aviation finance hub is a concrete step toward realizing the goal of a modern, open international financial platform capable of directly connecting capital flows to the real economy.
Domestic enterprises played a key role in the formation of the hub, with Vietjet serving as a founding member. With significant financial needs to support its fleet expansion, Vietnamese airlines are expected to contribute the initial transaction volume to kickstart the center's activities.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Vietjet, noted that the hub marks a milestone in linking international capital with the development of the aviation industry and the regional economy. She emphasized the company's commitment to driving substantive financial transactions from the very beginning.
On the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 2026, Vietjet signed engine and aircraft financing agreements totaling more than $6.1 billion. These include an agreement with Pratt & Whitney for engine supply and maintenance services for 44 A321neo and A321XLR aircraft, as well as financing arrangements with several international organizations, including the Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO).
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