On August 2, Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) successfully completed a flight calibration mission in support of the Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) evaluation at the Long Thanh International Airport. This technical milestone is crucial in the preparation for the commercial operation of one of the country’s largest aviation infrastructure projects.
The flight calibration activities at Long Thanh International Airport were conducted from July 31 to August 2, 2025, before the airport’s regular operations commenced. Therefore, the entire process was meticulously prepared and executed with close coordination between VATM, ATTECH, Southern Air Traffic Management Company, the Aviation Meteorology Center, Long Thanh International Airport, the Vietnam Aviation Authority, and military units.
According to VATM, the PBN evaluation included departure procedures (SID), standard arrival routes (STAR) using RNP 1 (GNSS) standards, and instrument approach procedures (IAP) based on RNP APCH, integrated with the ILS and RNP 1 systems.
The aircraft used for the test flights and PBN evaluation was the Beechcraft King Air 350ER, with registration numbers OK-ANS and OK-RLP. The flights originated from Tan Son Nhat Airport, performed evaluations in the Long Thanh airspace, and returned to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
The successful completion of the PBN evaluation flights sets an important precedent for realizing the on-schedule operationalization of Long Thanh Airport, ensuring its efficiency from day one.
VATM reported that the flights proceeded as per the plan approved by the Aviation Authority, ensuring absolute safety and adhering to the set timeline. During the flights, the involved units collaboratively implemented air traffic control measures and provided meteorological services for the test flights at Long Thanh Airport.
Flight inspection and calibration team from Air Traffic Management Technology Company (Photo: VATM)
The teams also closely coordinated with the military air traffic control reserves, efficiently managing air traffic in the area while minimizing disruptions to other flights.
At the Long Thanh Air Traffic Control Center, the on-duty team proactively collaborated with the Long Thanh Airport Project Management Board to ensure safety and security in the operational area.
The Long Thanh Airport Project Management Board implemented measures such as relocating vehicles, equipment, and personnel away from the runway and taxiway areas, as well as cleaning and clearing obstacles from the 05R/23L runway to ensure it met operational standards.
The results of the flight calibration will serve as a technical foundation for the upcoming test flight scheduled for December 19, 2025, and will contribute to finalizing aeronautical data publication, leading up to the official opening of Long Thanh Airport in 2026.
The Long Thanh International Airport project is located in Long Thanh district, Dong Nai province, with a total investment of over $16 billion.
The project is divided into three phases, with the first phase expected to be operational by 2026, involving an investment of $5.45 billion and a capacity of 25 million passengers per year. The second phase, from 2028 to 2032, will increase the capacity to 50 million passengers annually.
The third phase will commence after 2035, aiming for a capacity of 100 million passengers per year, establishing Long Thanh Airport as the largest airport in Vietnam.
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