Laos is set to strengthen its aviation sector through expanded pilot training and safety programs.
Under a new agreement with Partners in Aviation and Communications Technology (PACTEC), Laos will introduce new training courses for emerging pilots, including the addition of a small twin-engine trainer aircraft to conduct training within the country.
This program will train four to six student pilots annually, addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots and reducing the need for overseas training.
The project aims to improve aviation communication skills through English proficiency training for over 700 Lao aviation professionals. It will introduce testing for the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Level 6 language standards. PACTEC will also strengthen the sector by offering maintenance technician courses and support for air traffic control and safety management.
The organisation is further planning to assist in implementing the Lao State Safety Programme and the Safety Management System, which are crucial to ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.
The agreement was signed on 27 February by Saykham Thammanosouth, the Director General of the Public Works and Transport Institute, and Eric Walter, PACTEC International Country Director in Laos, according to the civil aviation flight training centre website.
PACTEC International is a humanitarian NGO registered in Switzerland and has been working with the Lao Department of Civil Aviation since 2004.
The program’s first phase ran until 2016 and focused on teaching general English to Lao pilots and air traffic controllers to meet ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements.
The second phase, from 2016 to 2019, is less documented, but it’s likely that PACTEC expanded their training offerings, possibly introducing more specialized programs and building on the momentum from the first phase. This period would have strengthened the ongoing support for Lao aviation.
From 2019 to 2024, the third phase saw significant developments, including the opening of a Civil Aviation Flight Training Centre in Laos.
This phase also included the Professional Pilot Program, which is an intensive three-year program emphasizing multi-crew coordination training and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) standards. It also involved college-level courses, ground school, and professional flight training.
The fourth phase, running until 2029, will see PACTEC introduce new pilot training courses, including a single-engine instrument rating for Laos, an ATPL theory course, and a flight instructor course.
Lao Strengthens International Cooperation to Boost Aviation Safety
This initiative comes at a time when aviation safety is under scrutiny globally.
In recent weeks, there have been several high-profile aviation incidents worldwide, including a mid-air collision near Washington D.C. on 29 January, which resulted in 67 fatalities.
Only a few months back, a Jeju Airplane crash killed 179 people at Muan International Airport, South Korea.
In fact, pilot error has been identified as a significant factor in many recent crashes and near-misses, prompting calls for stricter penalties for pilots who disregard air traffic control instructions, according to NBC news.
In this context, Laos’ efforts to enhance pilot training and aviation safety are particularly timely.
By improving local training capabilities and ensuring that pilots meet international standards, Laos aims to reduce the risk of such incidents and support the growth of its aviation sector.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/PILOT-TRAINING.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-03-24 01:14:002025-03-11 09:17:31Laos Set to Strengthen Pilot Training, Improve Aviation Safety
On 5 March, Laos officially marked the 70th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with Japan, commemorating the milestone with an exchange of congratulatory messages between Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru.
Exchanges Between the Two Prime Ministers
In his message, Prime Minister Sonexay extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Lao government and people, wishing Japan continued prosperity and success in its national development. He emphasized the significance of the strong bilateral ties, which were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January.
This milestone, he noted, reflects the success of their longstanding friendship and cooperation, bringing mutual benefits to both nations.
In response, Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Laos, highlighting the importance of their relationship in promoting regional and international peace and stability.
He also reiterated Japan’s continued support for Laos’ economic growth and fiscal stability, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, education, healthcare, climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.
Japan’s Continued Assistance to Laos
Over the decades, Japan has provided substantial financial and technical assistance to Laos, contributing to advancements in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and UXO clearance.
One of the most recent initiatives, with an agreement signed on 25 February, includes a grant of USD 67,900 for a clean water supply project in Xieng Khouang Province. Under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the project will be implemented in Xong Village, Phoukoud District, ensuring residents have access to clean and sanitized water.
By establishing a new water supply facility, the initiative aims to reduce household expenses on drinking water while improving overall living conditions.
On the same day, Japan signed another agreement to support education in Laos by funding the improvement of teacher training centers in nine provinces: Huaphan, Bolikhamxay, Bokeo, Xayaboury, Khammouane, Phongsaly, Sekong, Oudomxay, and Attapeu. With a total budget exceeding USD 8.2 million, this project aims to enhance educator training and raise education standards, with completion expected by 2028.
Japan’s support for Laos has been longstanding. In 2021, the Japanese government provided more than USD 1.8 million to fund five critical projects focused on UXO clearance, education, dental health, and vocational training.
These projects, funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Japanese Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), included a UXO clearance project in Xieng Khouang, two education projects in Savannakhet and Vientiane Province, a dental health project covering Vientiane, Vientiane Province, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Savannakhet, and a vocational training project in Vientiane.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Laos-Japan-Celebrate-70-Years-of-Diplomacy-with-New-Projects.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-03-21 01:12:002025-03-11 09:14:16Laos, Japan Celebrate 70 Years of Diplomacy with New Projects
Vang Vieng, Laos, has set a target to attract 2 million tourists in 2025, with an expected income of LAK 1,700 billion (USD 78.6 million). The district plans to focus on promoting annual events and improving infrastructure to support the growth in visitors.
Atthayasay Manivanh, Head of the Vang Vieng District Office of Information, Culture, and Tourism, highlighted the importance of festivals such as Nang Sangkhan (Miss Pi Mai Laos) and the Sweet Orange Festival in drawing tourists. These events, held annually, will be central to the district’s tourism promotion efforts this year.
Infrastructure improvements are also a key priority. This includes road repairs, particularly around major tourist sites, and enhancing hotel services through staff training and workshops.
Vang Vieng currently offers 36 natural attractions and a range of activities, including hot air balloon rides, hiking, rock climbing, and boat tours. The district aims to build on the 1.4 million visitors it received in 2024, which generated LAK 1,241 billion (USD 57.4 million) in income.
With these initiatives, Vang Vieng is preparing for a significant increase in both domestic and international tourism in 2025.
Laos Set to Strengthen Pilot Training, Improve Aviation Safety
Laos is set to strengthen its aviation sector through expanded pilot training and safety programs.
Under a new agreement with Partners in Aviation and Communications Technology (PACTEC), Laos will introduce new training courses for emerging pilots, including the addition of a small twin-engine trainer aircraft to conduct training within the country.
This program will train four to six student pilots annually, addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots and reducing the need for overseas training.
The project aims to improve aviation communication skills through English proficiency training for over 700 Lao aviation professionals. It will introduce testing for the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Level 6 language standards. PACTEC will also strengthen the sector by offering maintenance technician courses and support for air traffic control and safety management.
The organisation is further planning to assist in implementing the Lao State Safety Programme and the Safety Management System, which are crucial to ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.
The agreement was signed on 27 February by Saykham Thammanosouth, the Director General of the Public Works and Transport Institute, and Eric Walter, PACTEC International Country Director in Laos, according to the civil aviation flight training centre website.
PACTEC International is a humanitarian NGO registered in Switzerland and has been working with the Lao Department of Civil Aviation since 2004.
The program’s first phase ran until 2016 and focused on teaching general English to Lao pilots and air traffic controllers to meet ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements.
The second phase, from 2016 to 2019, is less documented, but it’s likely that PACTEC expanded their training offerings, possibly introducing more specialized programs and building on the momentum from the first phase. This period would have strengthened the ongoing support for Lao aviation.
From 2019 to 2024, the third phase saw significant developments, including the opening of a Civil Aviation Flight Training Centre in Laos.
This phase also included the Professional Pilot Program, which is an intensive three-year program emphasizing multi-crew coordination training and Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) standards. It also involved college-level courses, ground school, and professional flight training.
The fourth phase, running until 2029, will see PACTEC introduce new pilot training courses, including a single-engine instrument rating for Laos, an ATPL theory course, and a flight instructor course.
Lao Strengthens International Cooperation to Boost Aviation Safety
This initiative comes at a time when aviation safety is under scrutiny globally.
In recent weeks, there have been several high-profile aviation incidents worldwide, including a mid-air collision near Washington D.C. on 29 January, which resulted in 67 fatalities.
A small plane crash in Alaska also claimed the lives of all 10 on board on 7 February.
Only a few months back, a Jeju Airplane crash killed 179 people at Muan International Airport, South Korea.
In fact, pilot error has been identified as a significant factor in many recent crashes and near-misses, prompting calls for stricter penalties for pilots who disregard air traffic control instructions, according to NBC news.
In this context, Laos’ efforts to enhance pilot training and aviation safety are particularly timely.
By improving local training capabilities and ensuring that pilots meet international standards, Laos aims to reduce the risk of such incidents and support the growth of its aviation sector.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/05/laos-set-to-strengthen-pilot-training-improve-aviation-safety/
Laos, Japan Celebrate 70 Years of Diplomacy with New Projects
On 5 March, Laos officially marked the 70th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with Japan, commemorating the milestone with an exchange of congratulatory messages between Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru.
Exchanges Between the Two Prime Ministers
In his message, Prime Minister Sonexay extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Lao government and people, wishing Japan continued prosperity and success in its national development. He emphasized the significance of the strong bilateral ties, which were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January.
This milestone, he noted, reflects the success of their longstanding friendship and cooperation, bringing mutual benefits to both nations.
In response, Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Laos, highlighting the importance of their relationship in promoting regional and international peace and stability.
He also reiterated Japan’s continued support for Laos’ economic growth and fiscal stability, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, education, healthcare, climate change mitigation, disaster risk reduction, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.
Japan’s Continued Assistance to Laos
Over the decades, Japan has provided substantial financial and technical assistance to Laos, contributing to advancements in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and UXO clearance.
One of the most recent initiatives, with an agreement signed on 25 February, includes a grant of USD 67,900 for a clean water supply project in Xieng Khouang Province. Under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the project will be implemented in Xong Village, Phoukoud District, ensuring residents have access to clean and sanitized water.
By establishing a new water supply facility, the initiative aims to reduce household expenses on drinking water while improving overall living conditions.
On the same day, Japan signed another agreement to support education in Laos by funding the improvement of teacher training centers in nine provinces: Huaphan, Bolikhamxay, Bokeo, Xayaboury, Khammouane, Phongsaly, Sekong, Oudomxay, and Attapeu. With a total budget exceeding USD 8.2 million, this project aims to enhance educator training and raise education standards, with completion expected by 2028.
Japan’s support for Laos has been longstanding. In 2021, the Japanese government provided more than USD 1.8 million to fund five critical projects focused on UXO clearance, education, dental health, and vocational training.
These projects, funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Japanese Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), included a UXO clearance project in Xieng Khouang, two education projects in Savannakhet and Vientiane Province, a dental health project covering Vientiane, Vientiane Province, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Savannakhet, and a vocational training project in Vientiane.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/05/laos-japan-celebrate-70-years-of-diplomacy-with-new-projects/
Vang Vieng Aims for 2 Million Tourists, Infrastructure Focus
Vang Vieng, Laos, has set a target to attract 2 million tourists in 2025, with an expected income of LAK 1,700 billion (USD 78.6 million). The district plans to focus on promoting annual events and improving infrastructure to support the growth in visitors.
Atthayasay Manivanh, Head of the Vang Vieng District Office of Information, Culture, and Tourism, highlighted the importance of festivals such as Nang Sangkhan (Miss Pi Mai Laos) and the Sweet Orange Festival in drawing tourists. These events, held annually, will be central to the district’s tourism promotion efforts this year.
Infrastructure improvements are also a key priority. This includes road repairs, particularly around major tourist sites, and enhancing hotel services through staff training and workshops.
Vang Vieng currently offers 36 natural attractions and a range of activities, including hot air balloon rides, hiking, rock climbing, and boat tours. The district aims to build on the 1.4 million visitors it received in 2024, which generated LAK 1,241 billion (USD 57.4 million) in income.
With these initiatives, Vang Vieng is preparing for a significant increase in both domestic and international tourism in 2025.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/04/vang-vieng-aims-for-2-million-tourists-infrastructure-focus/