In a significant development for the aviation industry, Hanoi, Vietnam, is hosting the inaugural World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC), organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Hosted by Vietnam Airlines, the conference follows the theme: “Leadership in Action: Driving Safer and More Efficient Operations.”
First-time Footprint in Vietnam
WSOC is the industry’s premier assembly where aviation experts examine all aspects of airline safety, from flight and cabin operations to emergency response. This is the first time IATA has held a safety conference in Vietnam. Economically dynamic and centrally located in Asia, Vietnam emerged as a perfect venue for this pioneering conference by IATA.
Keynote addresses to mark the inauguration include speeches from:
- Tran Luu Quang, Deputy Prime Minister, Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
- Nguyen Van Thang from the Vietnam Ministry of Transport.
- Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines.
Leadership Perspective on Airline Safety
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, underscores the event’s importance. “Safety is aviation’s highest priority. This is reflected in the high levels of government participation and the fact that over 550 safety professionals from approximately 100 airlines, aviation regulators, aircraft manufacturers, and other safety stakeholders are in attendance. With its location in the heart of Asia and strong economic growth, Vietnam provides an ideal venue for the WSOC. We’re excited to have Vietnam Airlines, which has a growing route network connecting the region and the globe, as our host airline.”
Vietnam Airlines President and CEO Le Hong Ha added, “Safety is at the core of every airline. As Vietnam’s national airline, Vietnam Airlines has always remained committed to our vision, mission, and core values as a responsible airline group. We are pleased to welcome the global safety community to Hanoi to share insights, expand knowledge, and together transform for the safer aviation industry.”
Le Hong Ha joins a high-profile CEO panel discussion alongside luminaries like Stanley K. Ng from Philippine Airlines and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior VP of Operations, Safety and Security.
The Conference’s Blueprint for Safety
A paramount event at WSOC is the unveiling of the IATA Safety Leadership Charter. The Charter, which has over 20 airline signatories, reflects the industry’s commitment to fostering a robust safety culture.
Furthermore, the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), celebrating its 20th anniversary, is charting its trajectory towards a risk-based model. This shift promises a more tailored audit approach in keeping with individual airline risk profiles.
Plenary sessions throughout the conference will cover critical topics. These include runway safety, handling unruly passengers, ensuring cabin crew welfare, and refining pilot training.
Aviation: Vietnam’s Economic Powerhouse
Aviation isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s an economic catalyst for Vietnam. Pre-pandemic 2019 data reflects aviation’s monumental impact, injecting US $11.7 billion into Vietnam’s GDP. This contribution, bolstered by foreign tourist expenditure, accounted for 5.5% of the nation’s GDP. Consequently, aviation has been instrumental in sustaining 2.5 million jobs, as Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders highlighted.
In short, hosting the World Safety and Operations Conference in Vietnam is a testament to the country’s growing significance in the global aviation sector. It demonstrates the unwavering commitment of industry leaders to ensure the safety of skies and passengers alike.