Lao and Korean officials pose for a group photo at the seminar in Vientiane on Tuesday.

Korea supports Laos in enhancing aviation safety

The second phase of the Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP) titled “Luang Prabang International Airport aviation operation system improvement project” was officially launched at a seminar held in Vientiane on Tuesday.
The project aims to strengthen Laos’ aviation safety inspection system and build long-term capacity for aviation professionals in line with international standards.
The seminar was co-chaired by KSP senior advisor, former vice minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea, Kim Jeong Ryeol, and Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation at Laos’ Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr Khamla Phommavanh.
The event was attended by senior officials from both nations, including the Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, Mr Park Jungwe; Luang Prabang International Airport operations team; and representatives from the Ministry of Finance’s Department of International Cooperation and Department of Investment Promotion.
The new phase builds on the success of Phase I of the Knowledge Sharing Programme which took place in 2023-2024 and was titled “Luang Prabang International Airport airspace and flight procedure improvement”, ending in September 2024.
That phase focused on redesigning airspace and flight procedures in the Luang Prabang Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA), delivering training, and initiating projects to boost institutional cooperation and technical expertise.
Phase 2 now focuses on strengthening institutional capacity by establishing an aviation safety inspector training system.

(From left) Mr Park Jungwe, Mr Kim Jeong Ryeol, and Mr Khamla Phommavanh meet for talks before attending the seminar in Vientiane on July 1.

The initiative seeks to develop an ICAO-compliant curriculum and instructional materials, laying a foundation for the long-term development of skilled aviation professionals in Laos.
The project is especially timely as the Lao Department of Civil Aviation prepares for the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in 2026.
In his opening remarks, Kim Jeong Ryeol stressed the importance of aviation infrastructure as a driver of economic growth and global connectivity.
He noted that strong safety systems are key to supporting tourism, trade, and foreign investment.
Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation, Mr Khamla Phommavanh, said Korea is internationally known for its advanced aviation sector.
“Learning from Korea is the right direction for Laos. The upcoming ICAO audit highlights the urgent need for qualified aviation inspectors, and this project directly addresses that need.”
Korea Aerospace University (KAU) was selected as the implementing agency for the project.
During the seminar, KAU presented the inception plan and implementation strategy. The Department of Civil Aviation also provided an update on the current status of Laos’ aviation operations, including regulatory frameworks and challenges.
Funded by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea and coordinated by KOTRA, the Knowledge Sharing Programme is Korea’s flagship policy consultation and development cooperation programme.
It supports the transfer of Korea’s development experience and institutional knowledge to partner countries, with an emphasis on sustainability and capacity building.
The 2024-2025 KSP project is set to conclude by the end of the year and is expected to deliver practical outcomes, particularly in strengthening the training curriculum and preparing the Lao aviation sector for improved safety audits.
This initiative marks a milestone in Korea-Laos cooperation and reflects the shared commitment of both countries to building a safe, sustainable, and internationally aligned aviation system.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 3, 2025)