17 Apr 2025
#3 April 2025: North American Aviation Newsletter
HALO AirFinance Secures Mezzanine Loan Deal for Widebody Freighter
HALO AirFinance, in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), has completed a mezzanine loan transaction secured by a Boeing 747-8F freighter operated by a major U.S.-based cargo carrier. The deal marks a strategic expansion of HALO’s aviation financing platform, with Co-Head Marc Cho highlighting the company’s growing role in providing tailored capital solutions across the aviation sector.
Vietnam Airlines Secures US$560 Million MOU with Citibank, N.A.
Vietnam Airlines has signed an MOU with Citibank, N.A. for a US$560 million funding commitment to support its operational and fleet investment strategy. The agreement, announced during a Vietnamese government delegation visit to the U.S., will aid the airline in expanding international routes, strengthening its financial structure, and modernising its fleet. Citibank will also provide strategic advisory services, reinforcing Vietnam Airlines’ alignment with global aviation standards.
Vietjet and AV AirFinance Finalise US$300 Million Deal to Fund 737 MAX Deliveries
Vietjet and AV AirFinance have closed a US$300 million financing deal, part of a larger strategy to raise over US$4 billion in funding from U.S. institutions. This agreement supports Vietjet’s plan to take delivery of nearly 300 new aircraft between 2025 and 2027, including a landmark order of 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft valued at US$24 billion. AV AirFinance CEO Stephen Murphy and Vietjet Chairwoman Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao praised the deal as a symbol of U.S.-Vietnam economic collaboration, with the transaction elevating bilateral trade between the two countries to US$64 billion.
Acumen’s Take
On HALO AirFinance’s Mezzanine Loan Transaction
This deal reflects the growing appetite for flexible, asset-backed financing structures, particularly for widebody freighters amid sustained cargo demand. HALO’s partnership with SMBC reinforces its role as a specialist financier in high-value aviation assets, offering customised capital solutions for carriers in the cargo segment.
On Vietnam Airlines’ MOU with Citibank
The Citibank MOU is a strategic win for Vietnam Airlines as it pursues global financial partnerships to support fleet expansion and competitiveness. With the aviation sector demanding stronger capital frameworks, this agreement offers Vietnam Airlines both financial muscle and advisory expertise, aligning its ambitions with international best practices.
On Vietjet’s AV AirFinance Deal and Fleet Strategy
Vietjet’s latest financing milestone signals its readiness to activate one of the aviation industry’s largest single-type aircraft orders. The 737 MAX programme is central to Vietjet’s fleet modernisation and international ambitions. Acumen views this deal as pivotal in deepening U.S.-Vietnam aerospace ties, and positioning Vietjet as a rising global player in low-cost international aviation.
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