Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang addressed the opening of the inaugural World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) in Hà Nội on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

HÀ NỘI — The Government of Việt Nam has always placed great importance on the sustainable development of the air industry and leads unceasing efforts to maintain air security and safety. 

Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang made the statement during the inaugural World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) that opened in Hà Nội on Tuesday.

The conference, organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and for the first time hosted by Việt Nam, takes place under the theme of "Leadership in Action: Driving Safer and More Efficient Operations" over three days, September 19-21, with the participation of over 800 delegates from airlines worldwide and international organisations in the aviation sector.

Deputy PM Quang said the development of the aviation industry would contribute to achieving the comprehensive goals of economic and social development, enhancing national competitiveness, promoting trade and people-to-people exchanges, ensuring national defence and security, protecting national sovereignty, and strengthening Việt Nam's connectivity with the world.

In the past 15 years, the growth of the aviation industry has been closely linked to the GDP growth rate of the nation. This means that for every 1 per cent increase in GDP, the aviation sector will experience a growth rate of 1.5-2 per cent, Quang noted in his address.

From 2009 to 2019, the Vietnamese aviation transportation market has made remarkable strides, with passenger growth reaching over 17 per cent and cargo growth reaching nearly 14 per cent.

The transportation volume has increased by 4.86 times for passengers and 3.66 times for cargo.

In 2023, the Vietnamese aviation industry continues to experience recovery and positive growth.

Immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic was brought under control, many global airlines have returned to the Vietnamese market, said the Deputy PM, who also stressed that Việt Nam always ensures air safety despite soaring growth.

Quang underscored that the Vietnamese Government highly appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Transport, Vietnamese airlines, as well as the cooperation and support from international organisations in ensuring aviation safety in order for Việt Nam to achieve noteworthy accomplishments, such as maintaining over 25 years without any accidents in commercial aviation transportation.

With a strong commitment to continuously enhancing aviation security and safety, Việt Nam continues to prioritise the task of ensuring aviation safety and security within the overall national security system, he remarked.

Việt Nam will make relentless efforts to establish a strong, efficient aviation safety and security system that suits Việt Nam's conditions and meet international standards and practices, Deputy PM Quang said, adding that the Government has been focusing on issuing policies and regulations and making an enabling business environment for a healthy, safety growth of the air industry.

To effectively exploit opportunities and overcome challenges together, Deputy PM Quang proposes that IATA and international partners continue to play a crucial role in establishing operational safety standards, including strengthening connectivity and sharing information and experiences regarding aviation safety and security among member airlines and aviation organisations worldwide.

Nội Bài Airport, Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

Việt Nam's transport minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng said at the conference that all Vietnamese airlines, airports, and aviation enterprises are equipped with new safety management systems, along with advanced aviation safety monitoring solutions such as continuous and proactive risk-based surveillance systems.

The Vietnamese air industry has received Category 1 (the highest rating) of Aviation Safety Assessment from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Thắng said, adding that all Vietnamese airlines have been evaluated and certified for operational safety by the IATA.

In addition to efforts to improve legal frameworks, procedures, standards, and safety management systems, Việt Nam has been investing in infrastructure to enhance its aviation operational capacity, Thắng said, adding that the Vietnamese government has approved the master plan for the development of the national airport system from 2021 to 2030, with a vision extending to 2050.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, stated that safety has been receiving top priority attention of the aviation industry, and this has been showcased by the fact that Government leaders, regulatory authorities, and safety experts from around 100 airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and relevant stakeholders attended this conference in Hà Nội.

Located at the heart of Asia and enjoying strong economic growth, Việt Nam is an ideal destination for hosting the conference, the IATA leader remarked, expressing his appreciation towards the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines in organising the event.

During the conference, Vietnam Airlines and IATA signed a memorandum of understanding on aviation safety culture, and engaged in dialogues with airline leaders, aviation authorities, and Government regulatory agencies on the topic of building a safety culture in aviation. — VNS