Unveiling the First Commercial Aircraft to Inaugurate Long Thanh Airport

According to the Ministry of Construction’s report to the Prime Minister, a technical flight at Long Thanh International Airport is scheduled for December 15th. This flight aims to comprehensively assess the airport’s operational capabilities before its official inauguration.

The technical flight will utilize a code E aircraft, likely a Boeing 787, the largest wide-body aircraft currently operated by Vietnamese airlines. The plane will depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport, land at Long Thanh, and then return to Tan Son Nhat.

This technical flight will not carry passengers or cargo, involving only the flight crew and technical staff. Vietnam Airlines has been tasked with executing the flight, coordinating closely with relevant units to review all operational conditions, prepare the aircraft, and assemble the flight and technical teams.

Following the technical flight, the first official flight to Long Thanh Airport is scheduled for December 19th, operating on the Noi Bai – Long Thanh – Noi Bai route. In its report to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Construction stated that several critical components for both the technical and inaugural flights have been substantially completed.

Regarding infrastructure, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) has finished the first runway, taxiway system, and aircraft parking area in front of the passenger terminal, along with essential equipment such as signal lights, signage, and runway markings. Load-bearing tests on the airfield system have also been conducted, ensuring compliance with the design standards for the largest aircraft.

In terms of flight operations, airspace, and flight procedures, the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) has largely completed the construction of the air traffic control tower and installed key technical systems, including primary and secondary radars (PSR/SSR), DVOR/DME navigation systems, and ADS-B systems.

Optimal flight procedures and operational plans for the Tan Son Nhat – Long Thanh area have been developed, along with personnel deployment plans from other airports to ensure full compliance with capacity and licensing requirements. Concurrent training programs, including on-site and simulator-based training, are being implemented to enhance workforce quality.

To meet deadlines, over 15,000 workers and approximately 3,000 pieces of machinery and equipment are focused on critical components such as the first runway, taxiway system, aircraft parking area, and passenger terminal equipment installation. Since early November, the workforce has increased by more than 1,000.

An automated weather monitoring system along runway 23-05 has been fully installed, adhering to ICAO standards and Vietnam Aviation Authority regulations.

Alongside infrastructure investment, VATM is conducting specialized training for aviation meteorology personnel, focusing on new equipment operation, updated procedures, and enhanced skills for handling unusual situations.

On December 12th, ACV announced the completion of the energy center’s power connection and activation, a critical component for supplying electricity to the entire Long Thanh passenger terminal, in preparation for the technical and inaugural flights.