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Vietnam Airlines Expanded U.S. Routes and Fleet

Aviation leaders increased international capacity and invested in satellite technology to enhance long-haul travel.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Air Travel

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Airlines operating in Vietnam are expanding U.S. flight routes and modernizing fleets to meet rising demand for nonstop international travel in 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Vietnam aviation industry participants expanded their United States routes and upgraded aircraft fleets throughout 2026. The shift aims to meet passenger demand for connectivity and convenience during long-haul travel between the two nations.

Why it matters

Nonstop flights between Vietnam and the U.S. reduce total travel time by approximately 10 hours for passengers. Airlines are focusing on fleet modernization and in-flight satellite internet integration to improve the long-haul experience.

Vietnam Airlines received a $2.9 billion loan guarantee in June 2026, while Sun PhuQuoc Airways ordered 40 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Additionally, 60,000 trips were recorded from Seattle to Vietnam during the first half of 2026.

The players

Vietnam Airlines

This entity operates the only scheduled nonstop flights between Ho Chi Minh City and San Francisco.

Vietjet

This airline is expanding its digital infrastructure and fleet capacity through strategic technology investments.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways

This carrier is scaling its long-haul capabilities through a significant order of new Boeing wide-body aircraft.

U.S. Export-Import Bank

This federal agency provides financial support to facilitate international trade and aircraft procurement.

Starlink Services Vietnam

This subsidiary of SpaceX provides satellite-based internet connectivity for the aviation industry.

The details

Airlines are actively securing international financing to acquire new aircraft, including expected deliveries of 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets through 2032. Vietjet has also partnered with SpaceX to deploy Starlink satellite internet services across its fleet.

Timeline

  1. November 28, 2021: The first scheduled nonstop route between Vietnam and the U.S. launched.

  2. February 2026: Sun PhuQuoc Airways ordered 40 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

  3. May 20, 2026: Vietjet signed an in-flight internet agreement with Starlink.

  4. June 2026: Vietnam Airlines received a $2.9 billion loan guarantee.

  5. August 2026: Vietjet invested VND250 billion in Galaxy Pay for internet deployment.

Travel Outlook

The expansion reflects a growing reliance on the U.S. Export-Import Bank to finance large-scale fleet acquisitions in emerging markets. This trend follows a pattern set by other capital-intensive transport projects that depend on institutional loan guarantees for modernization.

Travelers flying between Vietnam and the U.S. can expect reduced flight durations on direct routes and improved connectivity through new satellite internet services. Passengers should monitor airline announcements for the rollout of Wi-Fi services across specific long-haul fleets.

The takeaway

The Vietnamese aviation sector is aggressively modernizing to bridge the gap between Southeast Asia and the American market through heavy infrastructure investment. Passengers benefit from shorter travel times and an emerging standard of in-flight connectivity on these long-haul routes.

Further reading

For more information on current developments in the sector, visit the Air Travel section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Tuoi tre news.

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