Air traffic control tower with unique stylized bauhinia flower design inaugurated.

"Overcoming the sun and rain," we finished ahead of schedule.

On the morning of April 20th, at Dien Bien Airport (Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province), the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) held the inauguration ceremony for the Dien Bien Air Traffic Control Tower.

Lãnh đạo địa phương, Tổng Công ty và các đơn vị cắt băng khánh thành dự án Đài Kiểm soát không lưu Điện Biên. — Local leaders, the Corporation, and other units cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Dien Bien Air Traffic Control Tower project.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Le Thanh Do, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dien Bien province, expressed his joy and excitement, stating that this project is a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024), an event that "shook the world and resonated across continents," a proud milestone in the nation's history, and an event in response to the Dien Bien National Tourism Year 2024.

“The design of the structure draws inspiration from the glorious history of Dien Bien Phu and the cultural beauty of the region. It features the image of a soldier of Uncle Ho's army waving a flag on top of the De Castries bunker in 1954, commemorating the earth-shattering victory at Dien Bien Phu, and the bauhinia flower, a symbol of beauty and the iconic symbol of the Northwest mountainous region and Dien Bien province,” Mr. Le Thanh Do emphasized.

During the implementation process, the project had to halt construction for 20 days at one point due to unfavorable weather conditions. Additionally, the limited space on the air traffic control tower made it impossible to mobilize many workers, and construction had to be restricted when the airport reopened in late December 2023.

However, the investor, the Northern Air Traffic Management Company (Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation), promptly dispatched staff to supervise the contractor, working three shifts a day with the motto "overcoming the sun and rain," and "eating quickly and working urgently" to compensate for the delay.

After tireless efforts, the project, which commenced on April 27, 2023, was inaugurated on April 20, 2024, with a total construction time of 358 days, finishing ahead of schedule.

A monument commemorating the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu victory.

The Dien Bien Airport Air Traffic Control Tower construction project is one of the key projects, along with the expansion and upgrading of Dien Bien Airport, with a total investment of over 93 billion VND, invested by the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation. It was inaugurated on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu victory and the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (April 20, 1993 - April 20, 2024).

The project, spanning a total area of 6,150 square meters, features a 36-meter-high air traffic control tower, stylized in the shape of five bauhinia flower petals, rising from the office building. The design is inspired by the command bunker of the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex. The overall structure is a significant landmark at Dien Bien Phu Airport, giving the airport a new look befitting the heroic historical site of Dien Bien Phu.

Tháp không lưu cao 36m, cách điệu hình dáng 5 cánh hoa ban mọc lên từ công trình nhà làm việc được thiết kế lấy cảm hứng từ công trình Hầm chỉ huy Tập đoàn cứ điểm Điện Biên Phủ. — The 36-meter-tall air traffic control tower, stylized in the shape of five bauhinia flower petals, rises from the office building, a design inspired by the command bunker of the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex.

In particular, the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation has invested in and installed a modern air traffic control system and equipment, meeting the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

This includes an automated meteorological observation system, ensuring enhanced meteorological forecasting for flights to and from Dien Bien airport; and the installation of two additional VHF communication relay stations at Pha Din and Dien Bien Dong to ensure coverage and facilitate smooth and stable communication between air traffic controllers and flight crews.

The new air traffic control methods at the Air Traffic Control Tower, utilizing satellite technology, are designed to be more flexible, straighter, and have shorter flight paths, saving flight time for airlines and enhancing the operational capacity of Dien Bien Airport, ensuring safety, accuracy, and reliable operation in more complex weather conditions compared to traditional methods.

Khánh thành đài kiểm soát không lưu thiết kế hoa ban cách điệu độc đáo- Ảnh 4.

Khánh thành đài kiểm soát không lưu thiết kế hoa ban cách điệu độc đáo- Ảnh 5.

Air traffic controllers are focusing on monitoring and managing aircraft operations at the new Air Traffic Control Tower.

Earlier, at 7:00 AM on April 18th, VATM successfully transitioned to operating the new Dien Bien Air Traffic Control Tower and safely took over the management of take-off and landing flights.

Upon completion and commissioning, the project will contribute to the economic , cultural, and social development, while also ensuring security and national defense for Dien Bien province in particular and the entire Northwest region in general.

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