Lao and Korean officials.

Korea-Laos partnership to improve Luang Prabang airspace, flight procedures

A significant initiative aimed at enhancing aviation infrastructure in Laos was marked by the launch of the “Luang Prabang International Airport Airspace and Flight Procedure Improvement” project, funded by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea.
The Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP) 2023/2024 was inaugurated on April 24 in Vientiane in the presence of dignitaries from Laos and the Republic of Korea, signifying a major collaboration between the two countries.

Lao and Korean officials pose for a photo at a seminar in Vientiane on Wednesday to launch the Luang Prabang airport improvement project.

The event was chaired by Senior Advisor and former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uruguay, Dr Choi Yeon-Choong; Minister-Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr Kim Jong-min; and Deputy Director General of Laos’ Civil Aviation Department, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr Vixay Bouavanh.
Distinguished guests included high-profile officials from both Korean and Lao ministries including the Director General of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Vientiane, Mr Park Jun Gwe;  Deputy Director General of the Department of Investment Promotion, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Mrs Thavichanh Thiengthepvongsa;  representatives of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of PIanning and Investment; representatives of Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway, representatives of Air Busan and Jeju airlines from Korea, and technical officers from various departments of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
The one-year grant programme, the KSP programme, coordinated by KOTRA, is a testament to Korea’s commitment to sharing its development expertise to assist partner countries in institutional and capacity building.
The Korean consortium, composed of Moon Engineering Co., Ltd. and the Korea Airport Corporation, have been selected to execute this ambitious project.
Both entities bring their expertise in the aviation industry, with Moon Engineering known for its proficient design and consulting in airspace and flight procedures, and the Korea Airport Corporation being the largest airport operator in the Republic of Korea, managing 14 airports.
The project aims to address the challenges posed by Luang Prabang International Airport’s existing facilities and geographical constraints such as the surrounding high mountains.
The consortium will undertake an analysis of the current airspace, propose a plan to enhance it, and implement performance-based navigation. It will also provide vital training for Lao airspace managers and government officials through visits to Korea.
Dr Choi emphasised the significance of the project, saying that the KSP programme will play a pivotal role in enhancing the airspace environment in Luang Prabang and refining aircraft operation procedures. Furthermore, he noted that this project would lay the foundation for Korean companies to enter the Lao aviation market.
Mr Kim Jong-min, reflecting on the bilateral partnership, said he was confident that the initiative would not only contribute to the safety and efficiency of air transport in Laos but also foster closer economic ties between the two countries.
Mr Vixay Bouavanh acknowledged the importance of modernising Luang Prabang International Airport’s facilities and procedures to meet international standards, which will be achievable with the support of the KSP programme. He expressed gratitude to the Korean government and the consortium for their support in this transformative project.
Mr Park Jun Gwe also shared his insights, stressing the importance of cooperation for the development of the aviation industry in Laos.
He said “This project is not merely a technical enhancement of aviation capacities but a bridge fostering closer strategic partnership between Korea and Laos.”
Implementation of the KSP programme is expected to be concluded by the end of this year, marking a milestone in the development of Laos’ aviation capabilities and enhancing international connectivity, which is the basic foundation to support Laos’ sustainable tourism development.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 30, 2024)