The Asia-Pacific Aviation Finance Hub (AAFH), a program within the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), was announced by the VIFC-HCMC Executive Agency on 3/2 at the Singapore Airshow 2026.

AAFH offers specialized incentives for aviation finance, leveraging the international financial center's legal framework. These include: competitive tax and fee policies, mechanisms for capital flow liberalization, foreign exchange, multi-currency payments, flexible cross-border capital transfers, and an international standard legal framework.

Solutions at AAFH are integrated under a "one-stop, multi-service" model. This model synchronously connects finance, airports, free trade, MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations), training, and logistics, thereby optimizing costs and enhancing the operational efficiency of the aviation value chain.

By 2035, AAFH is projected to attract and achieve a transaction volume of approximately USD 50 billion. Truong Minh Huy Vu, Chairman of VIFC-HCMC, stated that the launch of this center is a crucial step towards realizing the vision of building VIFC into a modern, open, and reliable international financial platform.

Launch ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Finance Hub on 3/2. *Photo: VIFC-HCMC*

Vietjet, an airline currently ordering nearly 600 aircraft and having significant long-term financial needs, is a founding member of AAFH. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairman of Vietjet's Board of Directors, commented, "The Asia-Pacific Aviation Finance Hub marks a strategic step in reshaping how global capital flows engage with the development of the aviation industry and the economy of Vietnam and the region."

Immediately after its establishment was announced, AAFH recorded over USD 6,1 billion in mobilization and transactions through a series of agreements between Vietjet and international partners. Notably, Vietjet and Pratt & Whitney, part of RTX Group, signed an agreement for engine orders and maintenance services for 44 A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft. The airline also signed aircraft financing agreements with Pacific Investment Management Company.

On this occasion, Airbus and Boeing received certification as Honorary Strategic Members of VIFC-HCMC. These two corporations have the right to propose recognition as members of Vietnam's international financial center without needing to follow specific registration procedures outlined in Resolution 222.

Paul Meijier, Executive Vice President of Airbus, highly praised the role of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Finance Hub in establishing a platform that connects the demand for new-generation aircraft fleet development with the global financial ecosystem.

"Our participation as an Honorary Strategic Member of VIFC-HCMC, moving towards official membership, demonstrates Airbus's long-term commitment to collaborating on innovative financial solutions, supporting the sustainable development of the aviation industry, and contributing to diversifying the VIFC-HCMC ecosystem," he said.

Vien Thong