Long Thanh Airport Electrical Connection Completed, Ready for Technical Flights

On the afternoon of December 12th, the Management Board of the Long Thanh International Airport Project announced the successful completion of the power connection and supply to the Energy Center, which will provide electricity for the entire Passenger Terminal in Phase 1.

This marks a critical technical milestone, enabling the trial operation of electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems, and setting the stage for the first technical flight scheduled for December 19th.

According to the Long Thanh International Airport Management Board, the Energy Center’s operation ensures a stable 24/7 power supply and facilitates the final synchronized testing of all components in the lead-up to the airport’s technical inspection flight.

Regarding project progress, the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) confirmed the 100% completion of preparations for the technical flight operations. As of December 11th, all air traffic systems at Long Thanh Airport have been operating smoothly following thorough inspections, reviews, and adjustments.

A highlight of this preparation phase is VATM’s implementation of a multi-layered safety standard for CNS/ATM systems. Critical components such as communication (VHF, VCCS), navigation, surveillance, message switching (AMHS), and meteorology are equipped with multi-tiered backup mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted service in all scenarios.

At the airfield, operational procedures for runway 23L/05R, taxiway B, and connecting taxi routes have been validated to meet aircraft reception and guidance requirements. The flight procedure package developed by VATM, optimized with Boeing’s involvement, has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and will be implemented from December 19th to coordinate operations between Long Thanh, Tan Son Nhat, and Bien Hoa military airport.

During the upcoming technical flight, aircraft will execute full departure, arrival, and approach procedures, testing the feasibility of simultaneous operations at two major nearby airports—one of the region’s most complex aviation challenges.

In addition to infrastructure, VATM emphasizes human resources as a cornerstone of safety. Air traffic controllers, technicians, meteorologists, flight procedure officers, and search and rescue personnel have completed training and are assigned shifts according to approved operational manuals. All security, safety, and technical operation procedures have undergone multiple reviews, meeting the latest ICAO and CANSO standards.

VATM has also developed comprehensive contingency plans covering scenarios such as communication loss, aircraft technical issues, unlawful interference, UAV incidents, and cyberattacks. Standardized procedures for diverting aircraft to Tan Son Nhat Airport, if necessary, are also in place.

Control teams at the Long Thanh Air Traffic Control Tower, Tan Son Nhat Approach Center, and Ho Chi Minh Area Control Center have completed coordinated drills, ensuring continuous communication flow in all contingencies.

The successful power connection and supply to the Energy Center, coupled with the full readiness of air traffic systems, marks a significant step forward for Long Thanh Airport as it prepares for its first technical flight—a comprehensive evaluation phase preceding official operations.