Alongside airports and airlines, the Vietnam Civil Flight Management Centre is one of the three most important parts of local civil aviation. Involved in the technical field, it acts as a silent support to the development of Vietnam’s civil aviation. VIB Forum had an interview with Nguyen Xuan Hien, general director of the centre, about its activities.

Can you tell me about some of the centre’s important milestones?

The Vietnam Civil Flight Management Centre was set up in late 1954. The centre’s activities closely combined with historical events since the ends of the anti-French and anti-US resistance wars for national salvation and the renovation process of the country. After 18 years’ struggling under the leadership of the Party and State, Vietnam regained the control of the FIR/HCM. This victory marked an important milestone in the development of the centre. Vietnam is now a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the centre has co-operated with flight management centres in other countries in the region to perform important tasks, particularly aviation safety, making a contribution to the development of aviation in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2000, we successfully settled the Y2K problem and our efforts were highly appreciated by ICAO in Asia-Pacific. At that moment, the centre successfully ensures flight safety for tens of flights through Vietnamese airspace. In 2001, the centre operated the new flight system on the East Sea and the A202 flight route from Bangkok to Hong Kong and vice versa. In 2002, we continued to successfully apply Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) within the Vietnam’s FIRs. Over the past ten years, the centre has co-operated with neighbouring centres to operate thousands of V.I.P flights, some even went across the conflict areas of Croatia, the Persian Gulf and the former Yugoslavia. Flights of Vietnam’s V.I.P officials have been cared for safely.

Can you talk about the centre’s investment in technology to ensure the safety of flights?

In the past, flight management technology was very simple, just only through talking and listening. Now, thanks to the development of modern technology, flight management has advanced forwards, with listening, talking and supervising. In recent years, the centre has developed many technical solutions, saving billions of Vietnam dong for the State from hiring foreign consultants and other support services. In the coming years, international aviation will shift to new generations of CNS/ATM. To catch up with the development of a rapid development in the international aviation industry, we have installed and operated automated equipment systems, with VHF stations to ensure communication between air traffic controllers and pilots, providing the whole control of flights within Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh FIRs. In particular, we have young skilled staff members, accounting for 70 per cent, who have mastered modern technology. We are implementing and completing some major projects, including the Ho Chi Minh City AACC at the Tan Son Nhat international airport. The aviation surveillance network, with modern equipment, within FIR Hanoi was put into operation. This is to mark the ninth congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Are your achievements in flight management enough for the centre to be granted the Labour Hero title?

To that end, the centre has to have qualified managers and staff members to effectively operate modern equipment. Also, since 1998, we have launched an emulation movement among our cadres and staff members. This has helped us increase the effectiveness of our activities. As a result, our cadres and staff members have earned stable incomes. We have joined in community activities as we care for seven Vietnamese Heroic Mothers and five fathers and mothers of fallen combatants, as well as have built houses to show our gratitude.

Reported by Luu Hiep