Bigger picture, the directive highlights an enduring tension in Vietnam’s economic model. Whereas Hanoi has pushed Washington to recognise it as a market economy, the request suggests the state is still willing to exercise its influence over the private sector.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has issued a directive requesting that Vietnam’s airlines report on their progress in purchasing aircraft and engines from US companies, as Hanoi seeks to demonstrate progress on bilateral trade commitments during trade talks with Washington, according to reporting from Reuters.
Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Sun Phu Quoc Airways were asked to review agreements to purchase a collective 290 Boeing aircraft, with Vietjet to also advise on contracts with Pratt & Whitney for engines for its Airbus aircraft.
Notably, Vietjet first announced it would buy 100 Boeing aircraft in 2016. This was followed by a commitment to buy 100 aircraft in 2018 (it’s not clear if this was the same order or on top of the original order). However, the airline only took delivery of its first Boeing aircraft in late 2025.
That is to say, what has been announced and what actually materialises are not always the same thing.
This also comes amid rising jet fuel prices, on the back of the conflict in the Middle East, weighing heavily on aviators — it would make sense if airlines were rethinking their financial commitments.
Sun Phu Quoc Airways, in particular, hasn’t even been flying for a year and is entering a market that has historically struggled to support three airlines. Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines, for example, have both found it difficult to turn a profit.
That said, these recent aircraft purchase announcements seem more targeted at currying favour with US trade negotiators by presenting a pathway forward to reducing its trade deficit with Vietnam.
Bigger picture, the directive highlights an enduring tension in Vietnam’s economic model. Whereas Hanoi has pushed Washington to recognise it as a market economy, the request suggests the state is still willing to exercise its influence over the private sector.