VATM Strengthens Its Voice Across CANSO Platforms

The CANSO Asia-Pacific Conference 2026, held in Da Nang, Viet Nam from 7–9 July 2026, provided not only a valuable platform for air navigation service providers (ANSPs) across the region to exchange insights on the future of the industry, but also an opportunity for the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) to reaffirm its role as an active and responsible member of the CANSO community.

Through the active participation of both its leadership and technical experts in executive discussions and specialist working groups, VATM contributed practical perspectives drawn from Vietnam's experience while actively engaging in discussions on the future development of air traffic management across the Asia-Pacific region.

At the strategic level, Mr. Ngo The Vinh, Deputy Director General of VATM, participated in the executive panel entitled "Laying the Foundation: Minimum Capabilities and Implementation Support for States."

Moderated by Mr. Blair Cowles, Director of International Cooperation at ICAI, the panel also featured distinguished industry leaders including Mr. David Batchelor, Chief External Affairs & Communication at SESAR at the SESAR Joint Undertaking; Ms. Andrea Sack, Senior Vice President, Global Operations at CANSO; and Mr. Malcolm An, Senior Managing Director, Global Strategic Initiatives at Boeing. Together, the panelists explored the opportunities, challenges and future direction of the aviation industry amid strong traffic growth, rapid technological advancement and increasing demands for sustainable development.

During the discussion, Mr. Ngo The Vinh emphasized that as air traffic across the region continues to grow, air traffic management is becoming increasingly dependent on data, digital connectivity and cross-border collaboration. In this context, the capability to exchange operational information digitally, based on harmonized international standards, should be regarded as one of the fundamental capabilities required of every State, regardless of the size or maturity of its aviation system.

He further noted that collaborative air traffic flow management should gradually become a core regional capability, enabling States to manage traffic demand collectively rather than independently. At the same time, he stressed that the maturity and effectiveness of safety management systems must remain the foundation for all operational improvements, particularly as ATM systems become increasingly digitalized, interconnected and data-driven.

VATM's contribution brought Vietnam's practical experience and perspectives into regional discussions on the future of air traffic management and highlighted the country's ongoing commitment to advancing a safer, smarter and more connected aviation system.

While the executive panel reflected VATM's strategic vision, the Corporation's technical expertise was equally demonstrated through presentations delivered by its SMEs at CANSO's  working groups' meetings.

At the Operations Working Group, Mr. Nguyen Manh Tung, Director of CNS Department of VATM, presented the Corporation's roadmap for developing System Wide Information Management (SWIM). His presentation outlined VATM's vision for building a SWIM-enabled information management platform to support digital transformation in air traffic management by enhancing real-time data sharing among ATM systems and aviation stakeholders.

By sharing its SWIM development roadmap, VATM introduced fellow ANSPs to Vietnam's approach to modern information management architecture, aligned with ICAO and CANSO initiatives toward a more data-driven, connected and interoperable ATM environment.

Meanwhile, at the Safety Working Group, representatives from VATM's Safety and Quality Department presented the Corporation's experience in managing the transition of air traffic management systems at the Ho Chi Minh Area Control Centre (Ho Chi Minh ATCC).

The presentation focused on VATM's phased approach to transitioning from the existing ATCC to the new operational centre, covering planning, technical handover, personnel and procedural readiness, operational readiness assessment, Shadow and PFI operations, and final system commissioning. Particular emphasis was placed on VATM's people-centred change management approach, integrating risk assessment, human performance management, contingency planning and service continuity throughout the transition process.

VATM's active participation and substantive contributions at the CANSO Asia-Pacific Conference 2026 demonstrate an important milestone in the Corporation's international engagement. Moving beyond participation as a learner, VATM is increasingly contributing its knowledge, operational experience and practical solutions while taking part in shaping discussions on the future of air traffic management across the region.

This evolution also reflects VATM's commitment to becoming an active and responsible member of the CANSO community. By contributing to executive dialogues, sharing technical expertise and strengthening collaboration with international partners, VATM continues to enhance Vietnam's standing within the global air navigation service provider community while supporting the shared goal of building a safer, more efficient, smarter and more sustainable aviation system.

VATM