Vietnamese airlines face scrutiny as CAAV inspection uncovers violations

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has identified significant regulatory breaches at several airlines, including Vietstar Airlines (VSA), Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), and Blue Sky Aviation. The findings have prompted urgent calls for corrective action.

An inspection conducted between August 1-9, 2024, revealed multiple compliance failures at VSA, including:

Inadequate data storage for search and rescue operations.
Failure to secure an official meteorological services contract, a critical safety requirement.
Lack of employee oversight, including:
No proper alcohol and drug testing procedures.
Five pilots missing mandatory security training.
Ground staff untrained in ramp safety, passenger services, and airport operations.

A subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines, VASCO expanded its fleet from two to three aircraft in 2024, increasing its flight operations. However, the CAAV audit highlighted several concerns:

Unresolved legal ambiguities regarding its status as a Vietnamese operator.
Aircraft registration discrepancies, including an inconsistency in the official listing of VN-B219.
Management irregularities, such as an unapproved CEO and staff holding regulatory-sensitive positions without meeting qualifications.
Blue Sky Aviation: Operational Shortcomings

Blue Sky Aviation was also cited for multiple violations, including:

Approval of executives and safety officers using incorrect signatures on official documents.
Key personnel failing to sign full-time commitment contracts for critical flight operations and crew training roles.
Staffing deficiencies at its operational base, raising concerns about flight oversight and control.
The CAAV warned that these violations pose risks to both operational efficiency and aviation safety. Authorities have ordered the airlines to rectify deficiencies immediately or face potential sanctions.