As part of its strategic goal to integrate theory with practical experience and enhance professional connectivity between academic staff and operational experts, the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Vietnam Aviation Academy (VAA) has officially launched its annual in-depth workshop series on airport operations management.
Bridging Theory and Practice
This specialized workshop series aims to:
– Update participants on practical knowledge and modern trends in airport operations and management;
– Enhance the application of knowledge in teaching, learning, research, and graduation projects;
– Build a collaborative environment connecting academic activities with real-world practices through direct exchanges with industry experts.
The opening ceremony took place on July 26, 2025, at the Vietnam Aviation Academy, with the presence of Dr. Nguyễn Thị Hải Hằng – Director of the Academy, along with the Heads of the Departments of Science & Technology and Academic Affairs, faculty members, and a large number of students.
The event was further enriched by the participation and professional insights of leading experts in the field of airport operations, including:
– Mr. Cao Quốc Phong – Deputy Director, Operations Center, Tan Son Nhat International Airport
– Mr. Nguyễn Thành Nam – Head of Airport Operations Management, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV)
– Mr. Lê Hoài Nam – Deputy Director, Da Nang International Airport
They were joined by other professionals currently holding key roles in Vietnam’s modern airport systems.
Through this workshop series, VAA’s faculty and students gain valuable exposure to real-world operations at major airports, improving their technical capabilities and sharpening career development orientation. This initiative is also a concrete step toward enhancing training quality to meet the growing demand for high-quality human resources in civil aviation.
Workshop 1: Enhancing Airport Operational Efficiency Through A-CDM
The first session in the series made a strong impression with a presentation by Mr. Cao Quốc Phong, focusing on the topic “Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)”—a concept that attracted strong interest from professionals, faculty, students, and technical personnel.
A-CDM is not merely a technological solution but a new operational mindset, built on transparent, real-time information sharing between stakeholders such as airlines, air traffic control, airport operators, and ground handling services. Its goal is to enable more unified, flexible, and efficient decision-making.
What sets A-CDM apart is not just the speed of data processing but its capacity to synchronize previously fragmented entities into a cohesive system. This results in reduced waiting times, fuel savings, optimized slot coordination, and improved operational capacity—especially critical as airport infrastructure becomes increasingly stretched.
The subsequent discussion was lively, addressing practical topics such as:
– Experiences in implementing A-CDM at Tan Son Nhat International Airport;
– The role of big data and digital technologies in collaborative airport operations;
– Feasibility of A-CDM deployment at regional airports with limited resources.
Beyond offering updated insights into modern airport operation trends, Workshop 1 opened new directions for applied research and student capstone projects. It exemplified VAA’s commitment to incorporating operational realities into its curriculum, helping students develop the mindset of future engineers and aviation managers from the classroom onward.
The session offered a strategic perspective on the A-CDM model and raised practical questions about its broader application across Vietnamese airports, particularly amidst increasing flight volumes and infrastructure constraints. The enthusiastic exchanges between the speaker and attendees reflected the strong demand for incorporating advanced technological and organizational solutions like A-CDM into aviation education and practice.
Upcoming Workshops in the Series
Workshop 2: “Integrated Airport Operations – Coordinating Runways, Aprons, and Terminals”
Presenter: Mr. Nguyễn Thành Nam
Time: 09:00–12:00, Sunday, August 3, 2025
This session will focus on operational linkages between three core airport zones, which are often prone to congestion or overlapping functions without close coordination. Case studies from major Vietnamese airports will help participants understand how to optimize system capacity amid limited infrastructure.
Workshop 3: “Safe and Efficient Airport Operations Under Complex Weather Conditions”
Presenter: Mr. Lê Hoài Nam – Deputy Director, Da Nang International Airport
Time: 09:00–12:00, Saturday, August 9, 2025
Drawing from real-world experience managing an airport frequently impacted by tropical storms and monsoons, Mr. Nam will present adaptive solutions, contingency procedures, and the role of meteorological forecasting and monitoring technologies in ensuring safe, continuous flight operations.
A Platform for Learning and Industry Engagement
This year’s in-depth workshop series not only enhances academic knowledge for VAA’s faculty and students but also serves as a dynamic platform to connect education with real-world airport operations in Vietnam.
It stands as clear evidence of the Vietnam Aviation Academy’s commitment to high-quality, practice-oriented training—one that fosters adaptability, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, all of which are essential traits for the next generation of aviation professionals.
KHCN&HTQT
