Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s aviation sector has witnessed double-digit growthin passenger transport in the past decade, and the market is forecast to buildup momentum in 2019, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

The ACV predicted the number of passengers passing through airports across thecountry will exceed 112 million in 2019, up by 6 million from the previousyear. Last year, the number of air passengers climbed 12.9 percent to 106 million.

According to Deputy Head of the CivilAviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) Pham Van Hao, the aviation, the growth isin line with prediction of the international organisations like InternationalCivil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), International Air Transport Association(IATA) and Boeing.

Much to the growth is low airfares

Super sale scheme of domestic carriers have made airports more crowded thanever before.

With a wide range of promotional campaigns like Flying Around Asia from 0 VND, installmentprogramme for buying air tickets, and Fly for love-Show your summer version,low-cost Vietjet Air has ensured that air travel is more affordable.

Meanwhile, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airline, a global four-starairline, has run various interesting promotions to attract a huge crowd ofpassengers. Its affiliate Jetstar Pacific also joins the promotion race withits refund policy for a group of 4 passengers including children aged 2-12 onThanh Hoa-Da Nang and Vinh-Da Nang routes.

Besides, new-born Bamboo Airway sold tickets for its new routes at promotionalprices. The carrier is operating 14 routes and running nearly 40 flights perday. Its flights have reported high occupancy rate of 80-90 percent. Thecarrier is planning a direct air route to the US by the end of this year.

Infrastructure needsimprovements

Amid the rapid growthand increasing competition of Vietnam’s aviation market, improving servicequality and passenger experience becomes vital for carriers.

As overloading at majorairports such as Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat is significantly affecting servicequality, the CAAV has ordered the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to arrangedeparture time rationally as well as enhance night flights to lessen pressureat the airports.

Besides, ACV is urged to equip more advanced technologies to optimise operationat all airports. At the same time, it should work to promote the implementationof projects to expand and upgrade local airports, comprising building Terminal3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and relevant technical infrastructureto ensure that the airport can serve up to 50 million passengers per year, andexpansion of Noi Bai International Airport to increase its handling capacity to80-100 million passengers per year.

The CAAV is reviewing regulations to ensure that investors can involve in theaviation sector.

It said that the sector’s sustainable development depends on safety and security,thus, carriers and competent authorities must comply with both domestic lawsand international organisations’ strict standards on security and safety.

By 2020, Vietnam plans to have 10 international airports and 13 domesticairports. The total number of airports will increase to 28 by 2030, accordingto ACV.

Experts said it isimportant to have proper airport planning with regards to tourism andsocio-economic planning and develop good transport connectivity to theairports.-VNA