Three Vietnamese airlines have announced aircraft purchase agreements with U.S. aerospace manufacturers totaling approximately $36.9 billion. The deals, signed in Washington, coincide with ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations over U.S. tariffs on Vietnamese goods.
The agreements are led by new carrier Sun PhuQuoc Airways, which placed an order for 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners valued at $22.5 billion. The fledgling airline stated the purchase supports its goal of establishing an intercontinental network. National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines reported an $8.1 billion order for about 50 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and disclosed discussions for a future order of 30 wide-body jets. The carrier’s chairman, Dang Ngoc Hoa, said the deal provides a foundation for its ambition to become a leading airline by 2030.
Low-cost carrier Vietjet Air signed two contracts worth $6.3 billion. This includes a $5.4 billion agreement with U.S. engine maker Pratt & Whitney for supply and maintenance of engines for 44 Airbus A320 series aircraft, plus a $960 million lease for six Boeing 737s from Griffin Global Asset Management.
The contracts were finalized during the visit of Vietnamese leader To Lam to Washington, where he is scheduled to attend the inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace.” The two countries concluded a sixth round of trade talks this month without a final resolution. The United States currently imposes a baseline 20% tariff on most Vietnamese exports, a rate reduced from over 40% following negotiations last year.
Despite the tariff pressure, Vietnam’s export-driven economy grew by 8% last year. Exports to the U.S., its largest market, surged 28% in 2024, contributing to a trade surplus of $134 billion. The nation, a key regional manufacturing hub, had faced one of the highest initial tariff rates under Trump’s “Liberation Day” policy due to its large bilateral surplus.
Hanoi secured the current minimum 20% tariff by agreeing to increase market access for U.S. products, including automobiles. The aircraft deals signal deepening economic ties as Vietnam pursues aggressive growth targets, aiming for at least 10% expansion this year and “middle-income country” status by 2030. The purchases are expected to support航空 fleet modernization and capacity expansion for the airlines amid robust domestic and regional travel demand.
