Van Don International Airport (VDIA) in Quang Ninh, Vietnam, is ready to operate its first services.

The CAT II airport, which features a 3.6km runway and supports the landing and takeoff of advanced aircraft, aims to offer airlines and passengers a world-class experience.

ADB SAFEGATE is the airport’s sole airfield lighting solutions provider, and will help the airport achieve safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly airfield operations.

ADB SAFEGATE CEO Christian Onselaere sid: “Van Don International Airport envisions being a gateway to Vietnam’s north, connecting to industrial zones, and tourist spots like Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO wonder. The airport has decided to deploy best-in-class infrastructure to realise as many efficiencies as possible, and we are honoured to partner with them on this journey.”

The airport will connect international and domestic passengers to 13 industrial zones, and 17 harbors. Located in the only Special Economic Zone in the northern province of Quang Ninh, and part of the Hanoi-Haiphong-Quang Ninh economic triangle, it will help boost regional and international trade and tourism.

Vietnam Airlines has already signed a strategic agreement in January 2018 to extend its route network to and from Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh). The airline will consider new routes in cooperation with other members of the SkyTeam Alliance and airlines in Europe, once VDIA commences operations.

ADB SAFEGATE has delivered and installed its LED airfield ground lighting (AGL) at VDIA for various applications, including runway, taxiway, approach, stop-bars and PAPI, as well as its airfield lighting control and monitoring system (ALCMS) and power systems such as the MCR3 regulator.

In addition to performing better, particularly in low visibility conditions, LED airfield lights are more sustainable thanks to their lower energy consumption, long life and lower maintenance costs. Airports benefit from less downtime and safer airfield operations, and are able to optimise capacity and throughput.

In addition to this, ADB SAFEGATE has completed testing and commissioning, and provided the necessary support for the airport’s first calibration flight, which took place earlier this year on 11 July 2018. Airport personnel have also received the necessary training to optimise airport performance.

VDIA’s current passenger terminal can support 2.5 million passengers and 10,000 cargo tonnes annually. On completion of all three planned phases, the airport will be able to support five million passengers annually.