As part of efforts to expand its narrow-body fleet, Vietnam Airlines has secured an in-principle commitment from the Export-Import Bank of the United States ( Exim ) to guarantee up to US$2.9 billion in financing for the purchase of 50 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, the Vietnamese flag carrier says.

The financial backing is directly tied to the national airline’s US$8.1 billion deal with Boeing, which was formalized in Washington this February.

While not yet a final loan agreement, the commitment provides a vital legal and financial framework. Vietnam Airlines says it plans to leverage this guarantee to negotiate highly competitive financing structures with international lenders and domestic banks, effectively optimizing its capital efficiency while mitigating financial risks.

The new 737s, which will be delivered between 2030 and 2032, will be deployed on domestic and short-haul international routes. The carrier plans to deploy these fuel-efficient, narrow-body aircraft across its bustling domestic network and high-demand short- to medium-haul Asian routes.

The SkyTeam member says the preliminary commitment “provides a foundation for the airline to advance financing arrangements with international lenders and supports the long-term implementation of its fleet modernization and growth plans”.

The relationship between Vietnam Airlines and Exim is deeply rooted, with the carrier holding the distinction of being the first and only operator in the country to secure export credit guarantees from the US agency. The airline previously used similar Exim-supported funding models to successfully finance its wide-body Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner acquisitions.

According to the airline, Exim has also “expressed interest” in financing opportunities in other areas, including aircraft engines; maintenance, repair, and overhaul ( MRO ) facilities; and other aviation infrastructure.