The Memorandum of Collaboration was signed in Ha Noi by representatives from the CAAV and Boeing, with Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong and the US ambassador to Viet Nam Ted Osius also in attendance. — Photo plo

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Collaboration yesterday in support of Viet Nam receiving category 1 approval by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Memorandum of Collaboration was signed in Ha Noi by representatives from the CAAV and Boeing, with Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong and the US ambassador to Viet Nam Ted Osius also in attendance.

"Boeing is pleased to continue supporting the CAAV's goal of FAA Category 1 approval," said Ralph Boyce, president of Boeing Southeast Asia. "This agreement continues our longstanding partnership in Viet Nam and our commitment and dedication to its growing aviation industry."

Under the agreement, Boeing will help CAAV work through the Corrective Action Plan and assist in facilitating the appropriate training for CAVV personnel. Once the FAA Category 1 status is achieved, Vietnamese-based commercial airlines can offer direct passenger and cargo service between Viet Nam and the US.

US Ambassador Ted Osius told the participants that the ultimate goal of this collaboration was to help Viet Nam achieve the regulatory and safety standard required for its commercial airlines to operate direct flights between Viet Nam and the US. The strong and sustained support from Boeing and the US government on this effort was another clear demonstration of their continued commitment to help Viet Nam achieve its goals, he said.

Osius hoped that these direct flights would build yet another bridge to strengthen relations between the countries by encouraging increased tourism and business travel, which would facilitate greater people-to-people and commercial ties. — VNS