HANOI - Vietnam Airlines has secured an in-principle commitment from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for a guaranteed loan of up to $2.9 billion to finance its purchase of 50 Boeing 737 Max 8s. The airline firmed up the order in February, becoming the aircraft type's newest customer.
The new jets, to be delivered between 2030 and 2032, will serve domestic and short-haul international routes. The SkyTeam carrier said the preliminary commitment provides a foundation to advance financing arrangements with international lenders and supports its long-term fleet modernization and growth plans.
Vietnam Airlines is the only Vietnamese carrier to have secured EXIM-supported financing for aircraft purchases, having previously used similar funding for its Boeing 777 and 787 acquisitions. The airline also said EXIM Bank has expressed interest in financing other areas, including aircraft engines, MRO facilities and additional aviation infrastructure.
