Vietjet Chairwoman Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao Named Labour Hero

Vietjet Chairwoman Conferred Labour Hero Title Amid Major Fleet Expansion

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Dec 30, 2025 - : 10:55 am

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In a ceremony reflecting Vietnam’s growing influence in the global aerospace sector, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, has been awarded the title of Labour Hero. This accolade, amongst the highest state honours in Vietnam, recognises her three decades of contribution to national economic development and her role in integrating the country into the regional and global aviation ecosystem. The award follows a year of aggressive fleet expansion and technological investment that has positioned the carrier as a dominant force in the Asia Pacific region.

Under Dr Thao’s leadership, Vietjet has evolved from a pioneering private entrant into a cornerstone of Southeast Asian connectivity. The carrier’s growth has been instrumental in liberalising air travel in Vietnam, facilitating cross-border trade and strengthening supply-chain mobility. For major regional hubs such as Singapore, the airline’s expansion has reinforced vital commercial links, supporting the increasing demand for business and tourism travel between Vietnam and the continent’s primary financial centres.

This report incorporates details from official statements released by the Vietnamese government and Vietjet on 29 December 2025, alongside industry data regarding the carrier’s recent multi-billion dollar procurement contracts. The recognition highlights a shift in the regional aerospace landscape, where Vietnamese enterprises are increasingly viewed as high-credibility partners within global financial and governance frameworks.

Strategic Fleet Modernisation and Regional Reach

The conferment of the Labour Hero title coincides with a period of unprecedented capital expenditure for the airline. In 2025, Vietjet formalised several landmark agreements, including an order for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft and the doubling of its firm orders for the A330neo to 40 units. The widebody fleet expansion, supported by a US$7.4 billion (£5.8 billion) deal for 20 A330-900 aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow, underscores the airline’s intent to compete on long-haul routes across North Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Further solidifying its technical infrastructure, the carrier recently ordered an additional 40 Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines to power its new widebody fleet. These investments are part of a broader strategy to operate one of the most fuel-efficient and technologically advanced fleets in the Asia Pacific, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The airline currently operates over 120 aircraft and maintains an order book exceeding 400 additional units, a scale of procurement that significantly impacts the global aerospace supply chain.

Technological Innovation and Infrastructure Resilience

Beyond fleet numbers, Dr Thao has been cited for her role in addressing systemic infrastructure challenges through technology. Her leadership saw the implementation of comprehensive digital transformation across aviation operations, including the adoption of biometric systems to enhance passenger processing efficiency. These initiatives were critical during the pandemic, where technology-based solutions ensured the continuity of movement for essential goods and personnel.

Moreover, her influence extended into the broader financial sector when she spearheaded a technical intervention to stabilise the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange’s trading system during a period of critical congestion. This cross-sectoral expertise has been a defining feature of her career, blending aviation leadership with finance and investment to ensure that Vietnam’s infrastructure remains resilient against global economic volatility.

Commitment to Human Capital and Sustainability

The award also reflects a focus on the social and human dimensions of industrial growth. As the first self-made female billionaire in Southeast Asia, Dr Thao has consistently advocated for a model where economic progress is anchored in human development. Vietjet has become a major employer in the region, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and investing heavily in aviation academies to train the next generation of pilots, engineers, and technicians.

In her acceptance speech, Dr Thao noted that the honour serves as a source of pride for the company’s 40,000 employees. As the carrier moves forward with its 2026 expansion plans—which include the delivery of 22 new aircraft in a single month—the focus remains on balancing rapid growth with environmental responsibility. The airline was recently recognised with the Gold Award at the 2025 ESG Transport Sustainability Awards, reflecting its commitment to green operations and the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) across its network.