Vietnam and New Zealand push aviation training

The visit was part of efforts to further co-operation in aviation training between the two countries. Our VTV reporter Thanh Tùng has more.

Nearly half of the air traffic controllers here have participated in training courses in New Zealand. Since 1994, the Vietnam Air Traffic Management (VATM) Corporation has worked with Airways New Zealand in air traffic control training.

Dinh Viet Thang, General Director, Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation said: Studying in New Zealand, firstly we learn advanced air control techniques and skills which are considered among the best worldwide. Secondly, this is also a precious chance for Vietnamese officers to improve their English skills.

Over the past 10 years, the VATM and Airways New Zealand have co-operated to provide nearly 40 training courses focusing on air traffic control for more than 300 Vietnamese officers. The courses are held in New Zealand through a homestay programme, where the trainees can also experience life in their host country and study alongside New Zealand students.

'It’s only about 3 percent of the population capable of doing the spatial awareness and mental ability to think through difficult situation because the technology may fail. When there is a glitch they need to make decisions quickly so they are smart people, Vietnamese are the best in the world. They are hard-working and diligent, they pass very well because they work so hard', Jamie MacDonald, General Manager, Global services, Airways New Zealand said.