The International Airline Symposium (IAS) 2024 in Ha Noi takes place from 27 to 29 February with many discussing sessions. Attending the Symposium were delegates, including leaders from aviation and non-aviation organisations and businesses from different countries. Professor Nawal Taneja and representatives from Ohio State University, USA acted as hosts.

On the Vietnamese side, there were guests from state agencies such as the Ministry of Transport, the Committee for Management of State Capital at Enterprises, and representatives of many relevant agencies in the fields of economics, tourism, foreign affairs.

VNAT’s Vice Chairman Ha Van Sieu at the Symposium (Photo: TITC)

IAS is an annual conference held since 1988 on an international scale, attracting top leaders and experts from many fields around the world to meet and discuss notable issues of the global aviation industry. This year, the theme of the Symposium is "Navigating Aviation in a Never Normal World". Common issues discussed at the Symposium include Challenges of the global aviation industry in the new era, seizing opportunities and overcoming difficulties to develop.

Overview of the Symposium (Photo: TITC)

Speaking at the Symposium, Mr. Le Hong Ha, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines said, the world context is volatile, uncertain and full of complexity. To reach new heights, an airline needs to navigate by focusing on its strategic vision, market analysis, customer experience, technology adoption, sustainable development, safety, regulatory compliance, and active employee participation.

“By focusing on key areas of efficiency, airlines can position themselves for long-term success and sustainable growth in the dynamic aviation market”, emphasised Mr. Le Hong Ha.

Mr. Le Hong Ha, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines (Photo: TITC)

According to Mr. Le Hong Ha, fleet management and expansion is one of the important factors. In particular, effective fleet management is a key factor to optimise operational efficiency and meet passenger demands.

Especially, providing a superior customer experience is key to building brand loyalty and attracting returning passengers.

Airline leaders need to prioritise initiatives to improve passenger comfort, shorten and simplify the travel process, and provide personalised services for each customer group.

In addition, it is necessary to apply technology and innovation to maintain competitiveness and improve operational efficiency, taking advantage of opportunities to exploit artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and digital platforms to optimise revenue management, improve safety processes and streamline administrative processes.

Also, with growing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability, airlines need to emphasise the importance of minimising their carbon emissions and promoting environmentally friendly practices such as research initiatives to invest in more fuel-efficient aircraft, apply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and implement carbon offset programmes.

In addition, a high priority must be placed on ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining the highest standards of flight safety, as well as engaging and empowering employees to foster a positive organisational culture and deliver excellent service.

Mr. Junichiro Miyagawa, Employee Value Proposition, International Affairs, All Nippon Airways (Photo: TITC)

​Mr. Junichiro Miyagawa, Employee Value Proposition, International Affairs, All Nippon Airways stated, after the Covid-19 pandemic, airports are now gradually becoming crowded again and the aviation industry is making efforts to meet customer demands. However, Mr. Miyagawa noted that travel demand for trade has not yet returned to the level before Covid-19. For example, in Japan, travel demand is currently only 70% of what it was before Covid-19, and commercial activities in general are somewhat stagnant, leading to many changes.

Mr. Miyagawa also emphasised that the aviation industry may face a shortage of fleet even though demand may return. Besides human resources, the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment... all have a major impact on the aviation industry. A representative of Nippon Airways said that the challenges require airlines to make structural changes and need to closely monitor demand growth. The solutions proposed must be calculated more carefully to minimise risks, thereby taking advantage of new opportunities. Firms can continue to focus on core issues, diversify, expand operations, build new ecosystem platforms…

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