Vietjet and Carlyle Aviation Partners sign a US$550 million MoU for aircraft funding during U.S. President Biden’s visit to Vietnam

Vietjet’s Boeing aircraft

Vietjet and Carlyle Aviation Partners, a US-based leading aviation finance and asset management company, signed an aircraft finance agreement worth US$550 million (approx. A$857 million) during the official visit of U.S. President Joe Biden to Vietnam.

Under this landmark deal, Carlyle Aviation Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Carlyle Group, will provide financing for 200 Boeing 737 Max aircraft as part of Vietjet's ambitious fleet expansion. This order is not only a momentous achievement, but also stands as one of the most substantial commercial contracts to date, significantly enhancing the trade balance between Vietnam and the United States

“Carlyle Aviation Partners has been a long-term strategic partner of Vietjet,” said Robert Korn -Co-Founder & President of Carlyle Aviation Partners. “We are pleased to accompany and witness Vietjet’s significant growth over the last decade. The airline has offered passengers reasonable fares and convenient travel options, thus contributing positively to the aviation and tourism development, and fostering investment between Vietnam and the international community.”

The considerable investment by Vietjet will significantly impact the company's rapid and aggressive expansion plans in the Australian market. This substantial commitment demonstrates Vietjet's unwavering dedication to the local aviation sector in line with its mission to enable Australian travellers to access more affordable and convenient travel options.

During the official visit of U.S. President Joe Biden to Vietnam, Vietjet and Boeing agreed on the delivery timeline of the first batch of Vietjet’s 200 B737 Max order. The order worth over US$25 billion (approx. A$39 billion), will be implemented in a span of five years with the first delivery of 12 aircraft scheduled for 2024.

The first batch of 737 Max will also be delivered to Thai Vietjet, an affiliate company established by Vietjet. Thai Vietjet is currently one of the leading airlines in Thailand, featuring Vietjet’s brand and images and favoured by travellers in the region.

Founded in 2002 with headquarters in Miami, Florida, US, Carlyle Aviation Partners is in the business of global aircraft finance and leasing, currently managing a fleet of 396 aircraft in 59 countries.

Further information at www.vietjetair.com

* Jillian Ilao, jillian@primarycommsgroup.com.au