Why have a series of Vietnamese planes been grounded for more than 12 months?

Aircraft engine inspection and maintenance technician

The number of aircraft grounded by Vietnamese aviation this year has increased compared to the previous year.

According to the report of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, as of December 20, 2024, the total number of aircraft registered in Vietnam is 249 (220 fixed-wing aircraft and 29 helicopters), a decrease of 12 aircraft compared to 2023. Of which, 33 aircraft are being stored and grounded for more than 12 months, an increase of 16 aircraft being stored and grounded compared to 2023.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam pointed out that the shortage of aircraft continues to occur due to the engine recall order of the manufacturer Pratt Whitney (currently, a total of 26/53 A321NEO aircraft are being stored and grounded); the supply of aircraft equipment is difficult; airlines are optimizing the time of using aircraft to meet transportation needs, increasing pressure on the maintenance system, supply of materials and equipment.

Faced with that situation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has directed the implementation of risk reduction solutions such as: organizing the review of safety assurance work through the activities of the minimum safety inspection teams of the year, inspections to renew the certificate of aircraft operators for organizations, renew the certificate of airworthiness for aircraft, as well as surprise safety inspections; creating conditions and supporting Vietnamese airlines in searching for and adding aircraft (including dry lease and wet lease) to meet operating needs.

The Civil Aviation Authority also enhances safety measures in the context of airlines optimizing aircraft usage time to meet transportation needs; effectively reviewing risk mitigation solutions and implementing additional reinforcements where necessary, sharing safety information with industry units to prevent incidents; organizing flight scheduling taking into account fatigue risk management and crew fatigue reports to increase crew limits for unforeseen and unusual situations during flights.

Statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority show that the passenger transport output of Vietnamese airlines reached 53.3 million passengers (a slight decrease of 4.5% compared to 2023). However, the international passenger output increased by 18.5% compared to the same period in 2023. The cargo transport output reached 445,700 tons (an increase of 35.7% compared to the same period in 2023).

Also in 2024, Vietnamese airlines conducted 306,000 flights (down 11% compared to the same period in 2023) corresponding to 674,000 flight hours (down 8% compared to the same period in 2023). The operations of Vietnamese airlines have gradually recovered, air transport operations have basically ensured safety, and safety indicators on 1,000 flights have been well maintained.

TH (according to VNA)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/vi-sao-hang-loat-cac-may-bay-viet-nam-phai-dap-chieu-hon-12-thang-401729.html