Vietnam Airlines was the host airline for the World Safety and Operations Conference (WOSC) in 2023, held between September 19th and 21st in Hanoi, Vietnam.
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade association for the world’s airlines, organised this event. IATA was founded in 1945 and has since become an essential association that strives for safety, security, and sustainability for the global air transport industry.
The organisation seeks to represent the airline industry by consistently improving and raising awareness of the benefits of aviation and advocating for airlines worldwide. They aim to assist them by simplifying processes, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing passenger convenience.
Across 70 years, they have developed upon the global commercial standards of the air transport industry by helping airlines to operate safely and economically.
Willie Walsh, Director General for IATA, said,
“Borders are open, airports are busy, and flights are full. As we rebuild airline networks and balance sheets, it is vital that all aviation stakeholders maintain the same strong commitment to safe operations that we exercised during the pandemic years. The WSOC is the forum to discuss and debate today’s challenges and opportunities to keep the industry on a trajectory of improving safety and more efficient operations”.
World Safety and Operations Conference In Vietnam
Vietnam Airlines was selected as the host airline for the World Aviation Safety and Operations Conference this year as a way to represent the airline’s position and Vietnam’s safety capabilities. The attendance of other airline leaders and delegates from across the world allowed the airline to promote Vietnam’s beauty and culture whilst enhancing its future network expansions, ultimately creating stronger economic ties between Vietnam and the rest of the world.
Le Hong Ha, the President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, stated
“Safety is aviation’s highest priority and is the cornerstone of all Vietnam Airlines’ operations and practices. We are excited to be the host airline for this important inaugural conference, bringing together cutting edge-leaders, regulators, and a larger global community to address key topics relating to safety and infrastructure to ensure stronger safety operations in the wider industry”.
Le Hong Ha participated on the CEO panel alongside Phillippine Airlines President and CEO Stanley K. Ng and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior VP of Operations, Safety and Security.
An Agenda For Safety
The event was launched under the theme, “Leadership in Action: Driving Safer and More Efficient Operations.”
Some highlights of the event include:
The launch of the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, where safety leaders from more than 20 airlines were signatories. The Charter was developed with IATA members and the wider aviation community to support executives in growing positive safety cultures within their organisations.
The ongoing transition of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) turned 20 this month and continues towards creating a risk-based model where audits will be tailored to each airline’s risk profile.
The programme also included seminars and booths on runway safety, regional aircraft operations, cabin crew training, health and wellbeing, dealing with unruly passengers, pilot training, safely integrating airspace new entrants, technology, and procedures.
What are your thoughts on Vietnam Airlines hosting the WSOC? Let us know in the comments!
