Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan emphasized that, with a spirit of solidarity, cooperation, and proactive adaptation, ASEAN countries will work together to overcome current challenges and continue developing the a stable, safe and efficient aviation sector.
On the morning of April 28, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (under the Ministry of Construction), in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat, organized the 53rd Meeting of the ASEAN Air Transport Working Group (ATWG 53). Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan attended the conference.
Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan delivered the opening speech at the conference.
In his opening remarks at the conference, Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan stated that Vietnam’s aviation industry has continued to maintain positive growth momentum in recent years, making an important contribution to ASEAN air connectivity.
According to the Deputy Minister, in 2025, the market is expected to reach approximately 83.5 million passengers and 1.5 million tons of cargo, with international transport recording strong growth and helping to strengthen regional connectivity.
Aviation infrastructure is being comprehensively planned, with targets of 33 airports by 2030 and 36 airports by 2050, meeting the growing connectivity demands within ASEAN. The aircraft fleet is also being increasingly modernized, reaching 262 aircraft by December 2025.
At the same time, Vietnam is actively implementing the National Aviation Safety Plan for 2025–2028 in line with the standards and guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional frameworks, thereby enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reputation of the ASEAN aviation sector.
Tuan emphasized that aviation cooperation within ASEAN has achieved many important results, particularly in the implementation of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM), strengthening regional connectivity, promoting the liberalization of air transport, and enhancing aviation safety and security standards.
Overview the conference.
This conference will focus on key issues such as updates on the implementation of ASEAN aviation agreements, the development of the ATWG work plan for the 2026–2027 period, the promotion of technical and economic cooperation in aviation, and the strengthening of cooperation with dialogue partners such as the EU, Japan, and the United States.
Tuan noted that the ASEAN aviation sector in particular, and the global aviation industry in general, are currently facing many major challenges, including complex geopolitical situations in certain regions, especially the Middle East, which have disrupted supply chains, altered flight operations, and increased operating costs. In addition, aviation fuel prices have shown an upward trend and remain highly unpredictable, creating significant pressure on airlines as well as the entire aviation ecosystem.
Within the framework of ASEAN aviation cooperation, the Deputy Minister proposed that delegates focus on several key issues, including strengthening regional coordination to maintain and develop a stable, safe and efficient international air transport operations such as information sharing, coordination of flight operations, and enhancing adaptability to global fluctuations and uncertainties.
Delegates took a photo.
At the same time, participants discussed and proposed initiatives to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs, such as promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), optimizing flight operations, improving air traffic management efficiency, and encouraging technological innovation in the aviation industry; strengthening cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM), promoting market liberalization while ensuring fair competition, and enhancing both intra-regional and inter-regional connectivity in order to restore and strongly develop the ASEAN aviation market.
The conference also highlighted the importance of accelerating digital transformation and enhancing management and operational capabilities, particularly in areas such as air traffic management and the collection and analysis of performance data (KPIs).
On the morning of April 28, Deputy Minister of Construction Le Anh Tuan also met with Sheldon Hee, Vice President of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the Asia-Pacific region, during his visit to Vietnam to attend ATWG 53.
The two sides agreed to actively exchange views and cooperate on several issues, including disruptions in aviation fuel supply and related solutions; airline operations at Long Thành International Airport; and the roadmap for implementing CORSIA (the global carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Vietnam.
Source: baoxaydung - Translated by: M.A