Vietjet Secures $300 Million Financing While Eyeing Boeing 787 Order, and More

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Vietjet Finances Fleet Expansion with $300 Million Deal While Eyeing Boeing 787 Order

Vietnamese budget carrier Vietjet Air has finalized a $300 million financing agreement with AV AirFinance to support its ambitious fleet expansion strategy.

The deal, signed on April 9 in Washington D.C., strengthens Vietjet's financial position as it prepares to take delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2025 from a previous 200-plane order valued at over $24 billion.

Simultaneously, the airline is in active discussions to expand its Boeing commitments, including the potential addition of 20 wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft.

Key Points

• The $300 million agreement is part of broader aircraft financing arrangements totaling over $4 billion with U.S. financial institutions

• First deliveries from Vietjet's existing 200 Boeing 737 MAX order will begin in 2025, six years after the original deal announcement

• Reuters reports Vietjet is considering purchasing 20 wide-body Boeing 787 jets, signaling potential long-haul expansion

• The deal signing coincided with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc's U.S. visit, highlighting growing economic ties

• Vietjet's current fleet exceeds 115 aircraft with orders for more than 400 additional planes

• Beyond aircraft procurement, Vietjet maintains partnerships with major U.S. corporations including GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Honeywell totaling approximately $64 billion

What It Means

This financing deal provides critical funding for Vietjet's aggressive growth trajectory while representing a potential boost for Boeing amid its ongoing recovery efforts.

The timing is strategically significant as Vietnam works to reduce its trade surplus with the U.S. through increased American purchases.

For Vietjet, securing wide-body aircraft would enable expansion into lucrative long-haul markets, transforming the carrier from a regional budget airline into a more comprehensive global competitor.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Avelo Airlines Defends ICE Deportation Charter Program Amid Criticism

Avelo Airlines has responded to backlash over its ICE deportation charter program, emphasizing the decision was made after careful deliberation.

The program, starting May 12, 2025, will include domestic and international flights.

CEO Andrew Levy stated it provides operational stability, enables passenger service expansion, and secures 1,100+ jobs.

Avelo noted similar flights operated under previous administrations, adhering to DHS and FAA safety protocols.

3. American Airlines Tests Automated Baggage Transfer for Global Travelers

American Airlines has launched a pilot program automating baggage transfers for international flights, eliminating the need for travelers to claim and recheck luggage during layovers.

Currently being tested on Sydney-to-Los Angeles routes, the program maintains security standards while streamlining the passenger experience.

If successful, the technology may expand to other airports, marking a significant advancement in reducing international travel hassles.

4. Alaska Airlines Retires World’s First Boeing 737-900 After Years of Service

Alaska Airlines has retired the world's first Boeing 737-900 aircraft from its fleet. This marks a significant milestone in the lifecycle management of the airline's fleet.

The 737-900 series has been a workhorse for Alaska Airlines, and this retirement likely signals ongoing fleet modernization efforts as the carrier optimizes operational efficiency.

5. Embraer Partners With Intelsat for High-Speed Aircraft Connectivity

Embraer and Intelsat have partnered to offer factory-installed high-speed connectivity on new E-Jet E2 aircraft starting later in 2025.

The system features an Electronically Steered Array antenna delivering speeds up to 275 Mbps through multi-orbit satellite networks.

At less than three inches tall, the low-profile design reduces drag and fuel consumption while offering home-like internet experiences for passengers, aligning with Embraer's sustainability goals.

6. HAECO Launches Autonomous Drone Aircraft Inspection Trials in the US

HAECO has begun trials of autonomous drone technology for aircraft inspections at its US facilities.

Developed with Donecle, the drones enhance inspection efficiency by comprehensively examining hard-to-reach areas while detecting structural defects, assessing paint quality, and identifying lightning strike damage.

This innovation significantly reduces human exposure to safety risks at high elevations, representing a major advancement in maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations.

7. Kenya Airways Adopts Embraer Inventory Planning System for E190s

Embraer and Kenya Airways have signed an agreement implementing the Embraer Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) program for 13 E190 jets.

The program optimizes inventory management and reduces operational costs through data-driven ordering processes.

Kenya Airways gains access to Embraer's global logistics network with predictable fixed yearly pricing, while Embraer assumes most inventory investment, deepening the partnership between the companies and enhancing fleet readiness.

8. SkyDrive Achieves Milestone With SD-05 eVTOL Flight at Osaka Expo

SkyDrive successfully demonstrated its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft in a public flight at Expo 2025 in Osaka on April 9.

The three-seat aircraft, powered by 12 electric rotors, achieved a 5-meter altitude during its 4-minute flight.

With a 1,400 kg maximum takeoff weight and 100 km/h cruising speed, SkyDrive plans to extend the vehicle's range from 15 km to 30-40 km as battery technology improves.

This milestone advances their 2025 commercial launch target.

9. XTI Aerospace Debuts Advanced TriFan 600 Model at Avalon Airshow

XTI Aerospace unveiled its latest TriFan 600 subscale model at the Avalon Airshow in Melbourne, Australia.

The tradeshow model showcases the aircraft's vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with three operational fans, rotating ducts, and aft fan closing mechanisms.

This advanced aerodynamic configuration represents XTI's continued innovation in the vertical lift segment, attracting attention from industry leaders and potential customers at the southern hemisphere's largest airshow.

10. Pangea Aerospace Receives 7.27M Euro Grant for Aerospike Engine

A consortium led by ITP Aero, including Pangea Aerospace, has secured €7.27 million from the Spanish government to advance their ARCOS aerospike engine.

The MERLIn project will focus on developing, manufacturing, and testing this engine designed to produce 750 kN of thrust for medium and heavy launch vehicles.

The engine aims to enable the re-entry and reuse of upper stages, a capability currently mastered only by SpaceX, marking a significant advancement in European space launch technology.