(KPL) The second phase of the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) project, titled "Luang Prabang International Airport Aviation Operation System Improvement Project (2nd Phase)," was officially launched at a seminar held on July 1 in Vientiane.

The project aims to enhance Laos’ aviation safety inspection system and build sustainable capacity for aviation professionals in alignment with international standards.

The launch seminar was co-chaired by Mr. Kim Jeong Ryeol, KSP Senior Advisor and Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea, and Mr. Khamla Phommavanh, Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), the Lao PDR.

The high-level event was attended by distinguished guests from both countries, including Mr. Park Jungwe, Director General of KOTRA Vientiane; representatives from Luang Prabang International Airport; and officials from the Department of International Cooperation and the Department of Investment Promotion under the Ministry of Finance.

This initiative builds on the success of the 2023/2024 KSP Phase 1 project, “Luang Prabang International Airport Airspace and Flight Procedure Improvement,” which concluded in September 2024. The first phase focused on designing airspace and flight procedures within the Luang Prabang Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA), delivering capacity-building training, and launching linkage projects to enhance institutional cooperation and technical knowledge transfer.

Phase two now shifts its focus to institutional capacity-building through the establishment of an Aviation Safety Inspector Training System. The objective is to develop a training curriculum and instructional materials compliant with ICAO standards, laying the foundation for the long-term development of qualified aviation professionals in Laos. This is particularly timely as the DCA prepares for the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in 2026.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Kim Jeong Ryeol emphasized the importance of aviation infrastructure as a catalyst for economic development and international connectivity. He noted that robust safety systems are essential to support tourism, trade, and investment.

Mr. Khamla Phommavanh remarked that Korea's advanced aviation sector offers valuable lessons for Laos. "Learning from Korea is the right direction. The upcoming ICAO audit highlights the urgent need for qualified inspectors, and this project directly supports that goal," he stated.

Korea Aerospace University (KAU) has been appointed as the project implementor. During the seminar, KAU presented the inception plan and implementation strategy, while the DCA shared an overview of Laos’ aviation operations, including regulatory frameworks and current challenges.

Funded by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea and coordinated by KOTRA, the KSP is Korea’s flagship policy consultation and development cooperation initiative. It focuses on sharing Korea’s development experience and institutional expertise, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and capacity building.

The 2024/2025 KSP project is set to conclude by year-end and is expected to deliver practical outcomes, particularly in establishing a structured training curriculum and enhancing Laos' readiness for international aviation safety audits.

This initiative marks a significant step in Korea–Laos cooperation, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to safe, sustainable, and globally integrated aviation systems.

KPL