Lao and Korean officials gather for a photo at the seminar in Vientiane on Tuesday (Sept 3). - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: Improvements to airport airspace and flight procedures under the Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP) could pave the way for direct flights from the Republic of Korea to Luang Prabang in Laos.
The final reporting seminar of the Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP) 2023/2024 project, titled "Luang Prabang International Airport Airspace and Flight Procedure Improvement", was held in Vientiane on Tuesday (Sept 3).
The initiative, funded by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea and executed by the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), aims to enhance Laos' aviation industry, boost tourism, and support the country's economic recovery.
The event was chaired by Senior Advisor and former Ambassador of Korea to Uruguay, Dr Choi Yeon-Choong; the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Jung Yung Soo; and Laos’ Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Saysongkham Manodham.
Among the distinguished attendees were key figures from Korean and Lao government ministries including Director General of the Civil Aviation Department at MPWT, Viengxay Singkhkam; Director General of the International Cooperation Department at KOTRA HQ, Dr Park Chulho; Deputy Director General of the Department of Investment Promotion, Thavichanh Thiengthepvongsa; and invited guests.
The project’s Korean consortium, comprising Moon Engineering Co., Ltd. and Korea Airport Corporation, presented their findings and proposed enhancements.
These included adjustments to the Terminal Control Area (TMA) layout, updated airspace design, and improvements to flight procedures within Luang Prabang TMA.
They also unveiled a new conceptual design for Luang Prabang International Airport and detailed their plans for the project's second year, which includes further design work and vital training for Lao airspace managers.
Dr Choi underscored the project’s significance and anticipated benefits, particularly noting that the improvements at Luang Prabang International Airport could pave the way for direct flights from Korea.
Saysongkham Manodham expressed appreciation for the Korean government's support in modernising the airport's facilities and procedures to meet international standards.
He highlighted the critical need for further training of aviation officers and requested continued support in this area.
Reflecting on the bilateral partnership, Jung Yung Soo expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance air transport safety and efficiency in Laos and strengthen economic ties between the two countries, particularly in the tourism sector.
Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, Park Jun Gwe, shared his insights on the bilateral economic potential arising from this project.
He emphasised that the improvements to airspace management through the KSP program could be complemented by facility upgrades, including enhancements to airside operations, passenger terminal lighting, and other critical infrastructure.
These improvements, he noted, could be achieved through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), which would leverage both government and private sector investments to maximise benefits.
He expressed optimism that these developments would not only improve air transport safety and efficiency but also stimulate economic activity and strengthen the economic ties between Korea and Laos.
The KSP program’s expected outcomes include upgrading Luang Prabang International Airport to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, improving flight procedures, and creating a safer operational environment.
These enhancements are anticipated to attract Korean airlines to establish direct routes from Incheon International Airport to Luang Prabang, marking a significant milestone in Laos' aviation development and international connectivity.
This progress is seen as a crucial foundation for supporting sustainable tourism development in Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
