Vietjet, recognized among Asia’s rapidly expanding airlines, is setting its sights on the United States with aspirations to open direct flight routes and possibly secure a listing on Wall Street. This was underscored during a recent visit by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where she was greeted by NYSE’s President Lynn Martin.
The visit came on the heels of a significant event in Seattle, where Dr. Thao, noted as Vietnam’s wealthiest individual, celebrated the arrival of Vietjet’s first Boeing 737-8, part of a landmark 200-aircraft order worth $32 billion, the largest aviation agreement between Vietnam and the U.S.
At the NYSE, Dr. Thao stressed Vietjet’s strategy to broaden its international routes while tapping into global capital markets. She pointed out the growth potential of Vietnam’s stock market and suggested the possibility of listing not only Vietjet but also HDBank, where she holds the position of standing Vice Chairwoman.
“We will soon fly to the U.S., and we are also very excited to explore opportunities to raise capital in New York - the world’s largest stock exchange,” Dr. Thao emphasized. “This is not only the aspiration of Vietjet and HDBank but also the dream of many Vietnamese enterprises seeking global integration.”
(Translation: “We will soon fly to the U.S., and we are also very excited to explore opportunities to raise capital in New York - the world’s largest stock exchange. This is not only the aspiration of Vietjet and HDBank but also the dream of many Vietnamese enterprises seeking global integration.”)
The NYSE lists approximately 2,400 companies with a total market capitalization nearing $29 trillion. Lynn Martin, noted as only the second woman to serve as president of the exchange in its history, reiterated the NYSE’s commitment to supporting Vietnamese firms entering the U.S. market.
Both Vietjet and HDBank are pivotal members of Vietnam’s VN30 Index, which reflects the nation’s top publicly traded companies yielding high returns for both domestic and international investors. Dr. Thao indicated that a dual listing on the NYSE would represent a critical advancement in their global outreach and enhance Vietnam’s stature in international finance.
During her visit, Dr. Thao participated in the symbolic closing bell ceremony at the NYSE, marking a noteworthy occasion that highlighted Vietjet’s ambitions in both the aviation sector and financial markets.
With plans for U.S. operations underway, Vietjet is also fortifying its presence in international territories such as India, currently offering 10 direct flights connecting major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad with key urban areas in Vietnam including Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
