Faculty of Civil Engineering: Field Trip Experience at the Airside Area – Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Students Gain Practical Insights into Modern Airport Infrastructure Maintenance

On June 20, 2025, students from class 22ĐHXD01 – majoring in Airport Management and Operation – had a meaningful field trip to the airside area of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. This activity was part of the course “Maintenance of Airport Infrastructure” and served as a crucial bridge between academic knowledge and real-world professional practice.

Under the dedicated guidance of Mr. Pham Tuan Hai – Safety Supervision Officer and course instructor – students had the opportunity to directly observe key components of the apron area, including pavement structures, surface drainage systems, lighting systems, surveillance cameras, signage, and pavement markings.

Beyond observation, students were also introduced to the technical inspection processes, infrastructure condition assessment, and aviation safety and security standards applied in airport operations. Mr. Hai provided detailed explanations about specialized equipment used in the airside area and the operation process of incoming and outgoing flights, helping students better understand the coordination between technical systems and operational procedures.

A highlight of the program was an in-depth discussion on cutting-edge technologies in airport maintenance, including runway condition evaluation, pavement bearing capacity assessment, repair techniques, and methods for organizing maintenance and construction without disrupting flight operations. Through this, students gained a clearer understanding of the critical role that maintenance plays in ensuring absolute safety and maintaining infrastructure performance.

The field trip also provided valuable perspectives on career opportunities in airport infrastructure maintenance. Drawing from Mr. Hai’s practical experience, students were inspired to pursue roles such as airside maintenance engineers, infrastructure quality supervisors, or technical staff at the Airports Corporation of Vietnam and other airport operation entities.

This field trip not only reinforced students’ academic knowledge but also enhanced their technical thinking and real-world understanding of one of the most vital components in airport operations – airside infrastructure maintenance. It also serves as essential preparation for upcoming courses such as “Graduation Internship” and “Capstone Project,” equipping students with the confidence to take on future professional challenges.

News: Faculty of Civil Engineering

Students of class 22ĐHXD01 – majoring in Airport Management and Operation – during their field trip, dressed in full safety gear and demonstrating a professional demeanor.

Mr. Pham Tuan Hai briefing students on regulations and technical observation objectives before starting the in-depth field experience.

Students attentively listening to the introduction on structures and equipment at the aircraft boarding area – a zone requiring high-level coordination between technical systems and operations.

Students had direct access to specialized airport ground service equipment under the guidance of instructors and technical staff.

Instructors and students engaged in on-site discussions about structural features, maintenance techniques, and safety aspects of the airside systems.

The student group was guided to survey the structural layout and operational organization of the interface area between the terminal and the apron.

The trip not only deepened students’ understanding of airport engineering but also inspired clear career orientation in the field of aviation infrastructure.