More controversy raised over cost of Long Thanh airport project

Category Archives:Airports in Vietnam

More controversy raised over cost of Long Thanh airport project

Long Thanh International Airport model

Even though the NA Economic Committee agreed with the need to build a new airport, it also raised concerns over the amount the Long Thanh International Airport project in HCM City might add to public debt.

The cost of the first phase has been estimated at VND164.5 trillion (USD7.8 billion). The state budget, government bonds and ODA will contribute VND84.6 trillion. In addition, 5,000 hectares of land must be cleared by 2020. This difficult task is expected to complicate the project.

It is quite common for the actual cost of transport projects to exceeded their original estimates, which is why many NA deputies are worried about additional unexpected expenses.

Nguyen Van Phuc, vice chair of the NA’s Economic Committee, said, “The economy still faces a number of difficulties, so securing funds will not be easy. I want a clearer and more detailed report on the cost of this project, which includes how much will be required each year from the state budget, bonds and ODA.”

The committee also demanded clarification of the project’s purposes. Most agreed that building a new airport was not a better option than expanding the existing Tan Son Nhat Airport to meet the demands of rapidly increasing air traffic.

Securing funds for transport construction is also a challenge, as government needs to carefully weigh whether it should invest in Long Thanh Airport, the North-South Railway or develop the maritime transport system.

Phuc said, “The airport carries a huge price tag for the state budget and ODA at a time when public debt is on the rise.”

The NA Standing Committee has approved the project in principle, but asked for more details and to see a complete plan.

Source: Vietnam Investment Review

Category Archives:Airports in Vietnam

An airport to take shape in Quang Ninh

Van Don international airport

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has authorized the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee to carry out the Quang Ninh air terminal project – one of the country’s four air terminal projects calling for investment.

The terminal will be used for civil and military purposes and be capable of serving both domestic and foreign flights. It is designed to receive 5 million passengers a year and even accommodate large aircraft like Boeing 777s.

It will be built in Doan Ket commune, Van Don district, covering nearly 284.6ha and at a total cost of VND5,128 billion. This is one of the key projects of the Van Don economic zone.

The Van Don economic zone is expected to bring fresh impetus to socio-economic development in Quang Ninh province.

Covering more than 2,000km2, including over 1,600km2 of coastal areas, the zone will focus on developing luxury travel services, international finance and trading centres, trade exchanges and logistics, and maritime and aviation services, along with clean agriculture and industry.

Quang Ninh has proposed building Van Don into a special administrative-economic zone to make a breakthrough in its development.

At an investment promotion conference in 2012, the province has also announced a plan to build an integrated casino resort in Van Don.

Source: VN BusinessTimes

Category Archives:Airports in Vietnam

Tho Xuan Airport

Tho Xuan airport

Tho Xuan Airport is an airport located in Sao Vang Town in Thọ Xuân District, Thanh Hoa Province, 45 km from the provincial capital Thanh Hoa City.

The airport is currently operated by Vietnam People’s Air Force. The government of Vietnam is implementing the upgrading project to add more civil facilities in order to turn this airport into a mixed civilian/military airport in 2013.

Vietnam Airlines plans to use A320, A321 aircraft with a frequency of 4-5 flights per week, and then one flight a day for this route.

Airport Quick Facts

IATA airport code:  THD
Latitide:  19° 54′ 10.8″ (19.903°) north
Longitude:  105° 28′ 8.1″ (105.4689°) east
Average elevation:  21 meters (69 feet)

Category Archives:Airports in Vietnam

International Group Joins Air Charter Safety Foundation

Air Charter Safety Foundation

Alexandria, VA, June 27, 2014 — The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce that International Group (IG), Martinsburg, Pennsylvania is the newest company to join the ACSF.  Along with 115 other companies, International Group now supports the ACSF’s vision to enable on-demand air charter providers and fractional program managers to achieve the highest levels of safety in the aviation industry.

“We specialize in arranging on-demand private jet charter flights for long-term, repeat clients who wish to enjoy a safe and hassle-free air charter experience,” said International Group President Ben Gottshall. “We assist our clients with making informed buying decisions for every charter flight. Joining ACSF will help us do both.”

The International Group was founded by a combination of aviation experts with a variety of specialized skills.  With the emphasis on obtaining the highest safety criteria for all charter flights, they make sure that nothing is overlooked or taken for granted.  IG is built on a rich foundation of international aviation experience and superior client satisfaction.

“We are pleased to welcome the International Group to the foundation,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns. “Becoming a member of ACSF demonstrates their commitment to providing the safest aircraft and flight crews for their clients.”

For further information, go to www.acsf.aero or www.fly-ig.com.

“The vision of the ACSF is to enable on-demand charter providers and fractional program managers to achieve the highest levels of safety in the aviation industry. This goal will be achieved through:

Promotion of risk management programs,
The adoption of one common industry audit standard,
Dissemination of safety information and,
Creation of additional programs that advance the goals of the foundation.”

Source: Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Jul 2, 2014

Category Archives:Airports in Vietnam

Phu Bai Airport

Phu Bai airport_Vietskysupport

Hue Airport or Phu Bai Airport (HUI) is one of the main ports for the central part of Vietnam, alongside with Da Nang and Cam Ranh International Airports.

The airport is about 15 km from Hue city and takes about half an hour to get from the airport to downtown Hue. Phu Bai airport was formerly used by the French and the Americans as air force base, but it has been transformed to serve civilization purpose since 1975. Due to its small size, this airport is able to receive only medium-sized planes but in the future, large airplanes can land on its runways.

In 2011, Phu Bai international Airport was scheduled to close for repair and improvement in May and early June, so that all flights bound for Hue are temporary cancelled in 1 month. If you plan to travel during this period, fly to Da Nang and take a shuttle to Hue, which is a 3 hour trip.

Phu Bai Airport Quick Facts

Airport codes: HUI VVPB
Type: regional airport
Scheduled airline service: yes
Serves: Hue, Bac Ninh, Vietnam
Latitude: 16.401501 | 16 24.090042 N | N16 24 05
Longitude: 107.703003 | 107 42.180176 E | E107 42 10
Field elevation: 48 ft/15 m MSL
Magnetic variation: 0.492°W

Radio communication frequencies for Phu Bai Airport

TWR: 118.8 MHz

Runways at Phu Bai Airport

09/27
8,775 x 130 ft (2,675 x 40 m) — paved — lighted

Local Handler: VietSky Support Co.,Ltd