Vietnam Seeks Top Consultants for Airport Expansion, Aims to Foster National Brand

Emphasizing quality and distinctiveness, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has just directed Vietnam's Ministry of Transport to engage top-tier contractors and consultants for the next phase of Long Thanh International Airport's development. This drive to secure reputable partners underscores the importance placed on making Long Thanh a prominent regional aviation hub.

The Deputy Prime Minister's announcement, detailed in Official Dispatch No. 2920/VPCP-CN dated May 2nd, stresses the need to swiftly initiate and complete Long Thanh's phase two expansion.

This stage is paramount to ensuring a seamless integration with the recently finished elements of phase one, guaranteeing long-term operational efficiency. Work on the second runway, further ground leveling, perimeter security fencing, and additional essential components are set to begin promptly.

National Identity at the Forefront

The directive notably highlights a desire to infuse the airport's services with a unique Vietnamese identity. Investors who demonstrate a proven capacity in aircraft maintenance and repair, particularly those able to attract regional clientele, will be given priority.

Deputy Prime Minister Ha also expresses a clear preference for the airport's catering services to distinguish themselves as a Vietnamese enterprise with the capability to showcase the nation's cultural heritage alongside its modern transportation infrastructure.

Project Background and Regulatory Framework

The Prime Minister initially green-lit the construction of Long Thanh International Airport's initial phase in November 2020 (under Decision No. 1777/QD-TTg). Overseeing the project's fourth component, which involves the directives outlined in the recent announcement, falls under the purview of the Ministry of Transport.

The Ministry has established a regulatory foundation to streamline the investor selection process, issuing Circulars No. 23/2021/TT-BGTVT (and related amendments).

This framework details evaluation standards and procedures for choosing investors for specialized aviation-related projects. Furthermore, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has been appointed a central role in implementing this selection process.

Specific Investment Initiatives

The Ministry of Transport has outlined specific areas for prioritized investment within Long Thanh International Airport's fourth development component (document No. 9664/BGTVT-KHDT).

Following this prioritization, the Minister of Transport approved a comprehensive list of projects. This list encompasses the construction and operation of several vital facilities essential to airport operations.

These include dedicated zones for ground service vehicle maintenance and aircraft cleaning. The plan also incorporates the establishment of aircraft catering centers to ensure in-flight services.

Airline operations will be streamlined through designated operating centers. Finally, the project involves the development of aircraft maintenance areas, ensuring the technical readiness of the airport's fleet.

Vietnam's Aviation Ambitions Take Flight

The Vietnamese government's decision to seek world-class contractors and consultants, while simultaneously prioritizing a distinct Vietnamese flavor within Long Thanh International Airport, demonstrates its resolve to elevate the nation's aviation profile.

This strategy positions Vietnam to become a leading force within the dynamic regional air travel industry.