Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Phase II of the Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP), “Luang Prabang International Airport Aviation Operations System Improvement Project,” Officially Launched
On Tuesday, a launch workshop for Phase II of the Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP), “Luang Prabang International Airport Aviation Operations System Improvement Project,” was held in Vientiane, marking the official commencement of the project.
This project builds upon the first phase of the KSP, implemented from 2023 to 2024. Phase I, titled “Luang Prabang International Airport Airspace and Flight Procedures Improvement,” concluded in September 2024, focusing on redesigning the airspace and flight procedures of the Luang Prabang Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA), conducting training, and launching a series of projects aimed at promoting institutional cooperation and enhancing technical expertise.
Phase II focuses on strengthening institutional capabilities through the establishment of an aviation security inspector training system. The core objective is to enhance Laos' aviation security inspection system and cultivate the long-term capabilities of aviation professionals according to international standards. This initiative aims to develop courses and teaching materials that meet ICAO standards, laying a solid foundation for the long-term development of aviation professional skills in Laos. Notably, the 2024-2025 KSP project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, and is expected to achieve tangible results in strengthening training courses and helping the Lao aviation industry better prepare for safety audits.
The seminar was co-chaired by Kim Jung-ryul, Senior Advisor to KSP and former Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea, and Khamla Phommavanh, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Laos. Numerous high-ranking officials from both countries attended the event, including Park Jungwe, Director General of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Vientiane Branch, the Luang Prabang International Airport operations team, and representatives from the International Cooperation Department and Investment Promotion Department of the Ministry of Finance of Laos.
In his opening remarks, Kim Jung-ryul emphasized that aviation infrastructure is a crucial driver of economic growth and global connectivity, while a robust safety system is key to supporting tourism, trade, and foreign investment. Khamla Phommavan, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Laos, stated that South Korea's aviation industry is internationally renowned for its advanced capabilities, and "learning from South Korea is the right choice for Laos. The upcoming ICAO audit highlights the urgent need for qualified aviation inspectors, and this project precisely meets this need."
The Korea Aerospace University (KAU) was selected as the implementing agency for the project. At the seminar, KAU detailed the project's launch plan and implementation strategy; the Civil Aviation Authority of Laos also outlined the current state of aviation operations in Laos, covering the regulatory framework and the challenges faced.
The Knowledge Sharing Program is South Korea's flagship policy consultation and development cooperation project, funded by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and coordinated by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). This program aims to transfer South Korea's development experience and institutional knowledge to partner countries, emphasizing sustainability and capacity building.
As a significant milestone in South Korea-Laos cooperation, this initiative fully demonstrates the shared commitment of both countries to building a safe, sustainable, and internationally aligned aviation system, adding a significant chapter to their friendly cooperation.
