After an inspection of the Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines, from August 1 to 9, 2024, inspectors from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) pinpointed several violations in aircraft operations and maintenance at the air carrier.

In particular, VASCO’s executive director has not been approved, flight logs do not comply with regulations, and the safety documentation system has not been green-lighted.

Notably, during the inspection of five flights, inspectors found all lacked signatures from the dispatch personnel, and one flight even employed staff from outside the company. 

In Con Dao, a popular island destination off Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in southern Vietnam, the flight crew signed the technical logbook without providing their full names, and the passenger list was not submitted as required.

In Ca Mau, the southernmost province of Vietnam, the air carrier failed to specify the aircraft commander for some flights.

VASCO’s aircraft maintenance program did not adhere to the required 12-month check requirement. Maintenance staff lacked proper training, and the VN-B221 aircraft record was missing details. 

The airline also failed to submit monthly fleet management reports, did not conduct competency-based training for pilots, flight attendants, and dispatch personnel, and had lax alcohol and substance testing for pilots and flight attendants, with incomplete reports.

Along with imposing administrative fines, CAAV inspectors ordered VASCO to address these violations and instructed the flight safety standard department and the Southern Airports Authority to strengthen oversight of the airline.

Fully owned by Vietnam Airlines, VASCO is a small airline in Vietnam, headquartered in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

It mainly operates regional flights, especially short routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao, Ca Mau, and Phu Quoc, using small aircraft like ATR-72s. 

The airline focuses on the southern market, flying to popular tourist destinations, especially Con Dao.

Previously, when Bamboo Airways entered the market and expanded its domestic network, VASCO's ticket prices were competitive, at about VND1.2-1.5 million (US$47-59) for a one-way ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, while Bamboo Airways offered similar or slightly lower prices, at around VND1-1.3 million ($39 - 51). 

However, since April 2024, when Bamboo Airways faced financial difficulties, reducing routes and its fleet, the competitive pressure on VASCO has significantly decreased. 

Meanwhile, many people from northern provinces wishing to visit Con Dao are required to transit at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City before continuing their journey on flights now only operated by VASCO.

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