Thông tư 28/2010/TT-BGTVT

CIRCULAR

ON THE ELABRATION OF DIGNITARY FLIGHT GOVERNING

Pursuant to the 2006’s Vietnam Law on Civil Aviation ;

Pursuant to the 2008’s Law on promulgation of legislative documents ;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No.24/2009/ND-CP dated March 05, 2009 detailing and guiding implementation of the Law on Introduction of Legislative Documents;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No.24/2009/ND-CP dated April 28, 2008 defining functions, rights, obligations and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No.03/2009/ND-CP dated January 01, 2009 on the governing of dignitary flights (hereinafter referred to as “Decree No.03/2009/ND-CP “);

The Minister of Transport hereby specifies details on dignitary flights as follows:

Chapter 1.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope and subject of application

1. This Circular specifies organization, operation and governing of Vietnamese dignitary flights. Where it is requested by competent authorities specified in Article 9 of the Government’s Decree No.03/2009/ND-CP dated January 09, 2009 on the governing of dignitary flights, the provisions hereof shall apply to foreign dignitary flights into, out of or through Vietnam’s airspace.

Article 2. Requirements for Vietnamese airlines operating dignitary flights 

Every Vietnamese airlines wishing to provide dignitary flights shall:

1. Possess a valid aircraft operator's certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam; have capabilities and scope of operation, as specified in the certificate, relevant to dignitary flights assigned.

2. Have at least 05 years of experience in operating commercial aircrafts; have safety control and reliability programs concerning the operation and technical assurance of aircrafts as per regulations, fulfill requirements for aviation safety.

Chapter 2.

AIRCARFT, AIRCREW AND STAFF SERVING DIGNITARY FLIGHTS

Article 3. Requirements for aircraft carrying dignitaries (hereinafter referred to as “dignitary aircraft”)

1. The dignitary aircraft shall be registered in Vietnam and operated by an airline which meets all requirements specified in Article 2 hereof.

2. The dignitary aircraft must have at least two engines.

3. An airworthiness certificate is required.

4. At the time of the dignitary flight, the following requirements shall be satisfied:

a) The dignitary aircraft and equipment install abroad thereof shall be maintained in accordance with the approved maintenance plan;

b) All airworthiness directives applicable to the aircraft shall be duly implemented;

c) There is not a device or system malfunctioning or similarly breaking down in 03 (three) consecutive days of operation or 07 (seven) continuous flights but undergoing incomplete or permissibly delayed repair as shown in the minimum equipment list of the aircraft's critical systems for propulsion , fire alarm and extinguishment, hydraulic operations and aircraft maneuvering;

d) Emergency equipment shall be sufficiently fitted and ready for working.

5. The fuselage of the aircraft shall not be used in excess of two-thirds of its life limit, if applicable, as determined by calendar, flight hour or cycle according to the manufacturer’s regulations.

6. Operation and maintenance records shall be completed and detailed upon the preparation of dignitary flight.

7. The dignitary aircraft shall be configured so as to meet eligibility requirements for diplomatic protocol.

8. A dignitary aircraft shall have at least 02 (two) beds or convenient seats for the repose of the passengers on a flight that lasts 04 (four) hours or longer.

9. Be approved in writing by the Director

General or Director of the Vietnamese airline for the dignitary flight.

Article 4. Requirements for engines of dignitary aircrafts

1. Dignitary aircraft engines shall be operated and maintained according to the operation manual and maintenance program approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

2. The operation, maintenance and overhaul of aircraft engines shall be fully and clearly recorded in writing.

3. c) There is not a device or system malfunctioning or similarly breaking down in 03 (three) consecutive days of operation or 07 (seven) continuous flights but undergoing incomplete or permissibly delayed repair as shown in the minimum equipment list of the aircraft's critical systems including engine operation indicator, fire alarming and extinguishment system and aircraft maneuvering system ;

4. Be approved by the Director General or Director of the Vietnamese airline for the dignitary flight.

Article 5. Eligibility requirements for pilots operating dignitary aircrafts (hereinafter referred to as “dignitary aircraft pilot”)

1. The dignitary aircraft pilot shall meet requirements for the operation of the relevant aircraft in accordance with regulations of laws.

2. A dignitary aircraft pilot having the nationality of Vietnam shall:

a) Acquire qualifications in the profession, flying skills and English proficiency at level 4 or higher according to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization;

b) The first pilot has accumulated at least 4,000 flight hours and the copilot has gained 2,000 flight hours when operating the aircrafts whose average flight time per flight is longer than 02 (two) hours.; Otherwise, the first pilot and copilot have experienced 3,000 and 1,500 flight hours, respectively, when operating the aircrafts whose average flight time per flight is shorter than 02 hours;;

b) Be ethical and well-manner, have fine sense of responsibility and discipline, have clear personal record

dd) Have not made any mistakes that threaten aviation safety and are disciplined by warning or stricter penalty in 24 months prior to the operation of the dignitary flight;

e) Be approved in writing by the Director General or Director of Vietnamese airline for the dignitary flight.

3. A dignitary aircraft pilot holding foreign citizenship:

a) Have entered an employment contract, for at least 24 months prior to the selection of the VIP flight’s pilots, with the airline providing the dignitary flight. Where a new aircraft having been operated in Vietnam in less than 24 months is employed upon special request, the pilots whose employment contract is effective for at least 03 months may be selected.

b) Possess a pilot license for flying the aircraft configured for the VIP flight from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam;

c) Possess expertise, responsibility and sense of discipline to fulfill the Vietnamese dignitary flight;

d) Meet the requirements for dignitary aircraft pilots as specified in point b, c, d, dd and e, clause 1 of this Article e;

dd) Work with Vietnamese pilots;

e) Be approved by the Director General or Director of the Vietnamese airline for the dignitary flight.

Article 6. Eligibility requirements for flight attendants on dignitary flights

Every flight attendant on a dignitary flight shall:

1. Acquire the required knowledge of passenger safety as stipulated in regulations of laws;

2. Hold the citizenship of Vietnam;

3. Have accumulated at least 700 duty hours as flight attendant;

4. Have accumulated at least 100 duty hours as flight attendant on the dignitary aircraft.

5. Be ethical and well-mannered, have fine sense of responsibility and discipline, have clear personal record;

6. Have not made any mistake disciplined by warning or stricter penalty in 12 months prior to the date of selection of flight attendants serving dignitary flights;                         

7. e approved by the Director General or Director of the Vietnamese airline to serve on the dignitary flight.

Article 7. Eligibility requirements for in-flight technicians (hereinafter referred to as “in-flight technician”)

Every in-flight technician shall:

1. Be a citizen of Vietnam or any foreign country and meet requirements for aircraft technicians as stipulated the regulations of laws.

2. Possess a B1, B2 or C certificate in aircraft maintenance relevant to the serviced aircraft;

3. Be ethical and well-mannered, have fine sense of responsibility and discipline, have clear personal record;

4. Have not made any mistakes disciplined by warning or stricter penalty in 12 months prior to the date of selection of technicians for the dignitary flights;                         

5. Be approved in writing by the Director General or Director of the Vietnamese airline to service the dignitary aircraft.

Article 8. Certification of dignitary aircraft technical conditions

1. In addition to the compliance with the regulations on the confirmation of the completion of maintenance tasks, the competent technicians of the Vietnamese airline working on the dignitary flight shall append signature on the dignitary flight’s logbook to confirm the outstanding fulfillment of technical preparation for the dignitary aircraft.

2. The technicians specified in clause 1 of this Article may be Vietnamese or foreign and shall be approved in writing by the Director General or Director of the Vietnamese airline to serve on the dignitary flight

Article 9. Management of dignitary aircrafts, engines, flight crew and technicians

1. Vietnamese airlines providing dignitary flights shall prepare, manage and submit to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam the lists of Vietnamese dignitary aircrafts and their engines, flight crew and technicians who are permitted to serve on dignitary flights in accordance with the requirements specified in Article 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 hereof.

2. Vietnamese airlines providing dignitary flights shall submit to the relevant Airports Authority, directly or by fax, the full list of their staff, excluding those serving on the dignitary aircraft before the boarding procedure.

Chapter 3.

AIRPORTS

Article 10. Areas exclusively reserved for dignitary aircraft

1. import operators shall specify the portions of the apron, parking positions and dignitary lounge for dignitary flights.

2. The portion of the apron and parking position for a dignitary aircraft shall be maintained within a protection corridor in adherence to, relevant security and safety requirements, to exhibit solemnity and convenience for the welcoming and farewell ceremonies.

3. Airport operators shall specify the portions of the apron, parking positions and, apron operation procedure within authority and report to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam for approval before updating data in the airport operations manuals.

The written application for approval shall be submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam directly or by post. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall issue its approval and inform the airport operator within 03 days from the date of receipt of the application. In case of rejection, the reasons for rejection shall be specified.

4. the airport authority shall take charge of and cooperate with airport operators and providers of aviation services in the airport in specifying the areas and procedures for the convenient and rapid handling of the dignitary flight’s cargo and passengers’ luggage in the airport in accordance with the regulations on aviation security and safety.

Article 11.Runways, taxiways, aprons and instruments for flight activity control

1. Airport operators shall inspect runways, taxiways and aprons to ensure that they meet safety requirements for dignitary flights. Inspection activities shall be completed about 30 to 45 minutes prior to the expected time of landing or takeoff of the dignitary aircraft.

2. Technical inspection activities shall be completed about 90 to 180 minutes prior to the expected time of landing or takeoff of the dignitary aircraft.

3. Inspection activities specified in clauses 1 and 2 shall be recorded in writing and such records shall be retained by relevant agencies.

Article 12. Restrictions of airport operation during the process of dignitary flights

1. For arriving flights: The runways designated for dignitary flights shall be exclusively reserved 05 minutes prior to the landing of the aircraft. After the dignitary aircraft lands and passes the point of transition between the airport control tower and air traffic control tower, the specified taxiway and portion of the apron shall be exclusively reserved for the dignitary aircraft. The operation of such taxiway shall only resume after the dignitary aircraft entered the apron.

2. For departing flights: The parking position of dignitary aircraft shall be protected and isolated from the time it is in position for flight preparation. The portion of the apron, taxiway and runway designated for dignitary flights shall be exclusively reserved 05 minutes before the dignitary aircraft leaves its parking position, and resume to normal operation after the dignitary aircraft reaches the takeoff position .After the dignitary aircraft takes off, the designated taxiway and runway shall resume to normal operation. Where an airport has multiple runways, those not reserved for the landing or takeoff of the dignitary aircraft shall be operated normally in accordance with the regulations on the operation of parallel runways.

3. Airport operators shall punctually give the information on airport operation restrictions during the progress of a dignitary flight to workers and operators of equipment in the vicinity of the dignitary aircraft via handie-talkie and/or by phone for their compliance.

4. When receiving a notice of operation restrictions, the workers and equipment other than those used for the dignitary flights in the vicinity of the dignitary aircraft must cease their activities.

5. The provisions prescribed in clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this Article shall not apply in case of airport emergencies.

Chapter 4.

FLIGHT ACTIVITY CONTROL

Article 13. Notice to airmen (NOTAM)

1. Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation is responsible for sending NOTAMs on airport operation restrictions after being informed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam of the dignitary flight plan and amendments.

2. In case the actual landing or takeoff of the dignitary aircraft takes place over 5 minutes behind or ahead of the flight schedule:

a) For arriving flights: The local air traffic management corporation shall notify the airport authority, airport operators and relevant airlines;

b) For departing flights: The airline shall notify the airport operators who then notify the airport authority, aeronautical information service center and local air traffic management corporation;

c) The entities concerned, in regard to their functions and missions, shall provide services for the dignitary flight according to the amended plan.

Article 14. Eligibility requirements for air traffic controllers

Every air traffic controller shall:

1. Meet general regulatory criteria for air traffic controllers.

2. Possess the professional knowledge and experience in dealing well with air traffic management situations.

3. Have at least 05 consecutive years of experience in air traffic control services

4. Be ethical and well-mannered, have fine sense of responsibility and discipline, have clear personal record;

5. Be designated in writing as air traffic controller for the dignitary flight by the director of the relevant air traffic management corporation or the airport.

Article 15.Separation of dignitary aircrafts form other aircrafts

1. In aerodromes: The separation of a dignitary aircraft and other aircrafts on the ground of an airport shall be carried out in accordance with the restrictions defined in Article 12 hereof.

2. In approach controlled zones, an aircraft’s overtaking a dignitary aircraft in the same airway or track is not allowed. The minimum separation of a dignitary aircraft and other aircrafts in an approach controlled zone shall be specified as follows:

a) For radar separation: 10 NM

b) Other separation methods: shall be subject to standards.

3. In long-haul flight control zones:

a) Changes to the long-haul altitude and direction of shall be kept minimal in line with the planned route of the dignitary aircraft;

b) No request for change to the speed of the dignitary aircraft is allowed;

c) The minimum separation of a dignitary aircraft and other aircrafts in a long-haul flight control zone is defined as follows: For radar separation: 20 NM; Other separation methods: shall be subjected to standards.

4. The separation between dignitary aircrafts is similar to the separation of a dignitary aircraft and other aircrafts.

Article 16. Management of lists of air traffic controllers serving dignitary aircraft

Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation and local airport corporations shall formulate and manage the lists of air traffic controllers permitted to coordinate dignitary flights.

Article 17.Principle of priority in coordination of multiple dignitary aircrafts

1. A dignitary aircraft shall be given priority to take off in succession of the ascent of a fighter aircraft;

2. A dignitary aircraft shall be given priority to land after those descending in an emergency and those unable to hold or to fly to another safe auxiliary airport due to fuel shortage;

Chapter 5.

GOVERNING OF AVIATION SECURITY

Article 18.Security control passes and permits for dignitary flights

1. Security control permit and pass for dignitary flights (hereinafter referred to as permit and pass) include:

a) Multiple- use pass valid for repeated use, on which the symbol of the dignitary flight zone is printed in red, is granted to individuals who frequently serve on dignitary flights, including those who command, inspect and supervise the governing and operation of dignitary flights, those who frequently work in dignitary lounges, those who frequently serve the persons granted dignitary flights;

b) Single- use pass valid once for each flight is granted to the aviation staff who directly prepare the dignitary flight, to aviation security officers assigned to guard and protect the dignitary flight and perform security check thereof ,and to persons serving the passengers on the flight;

c) Multiple- use permit is valid repeatedly and granted to aviation equipment operating in an airfield which is directly used for a dignitary flight;

d) Single- use permit is valid once and granted to the equipment that is directly used to serve the dignitary flight and its passengers.

2. Only the equipment and persons granted the security control permit and pass, respectively, can access the parking position of the dignitary aircraft and lounge under the inspection and supervision by aviation security officers. The pass shall be worn in front of the holder’s chest (the operators of the permitted equipment are also required to wear such pass ) while the security permit shall be placed on the windshield of the equipment in front of the operators during the equipment’s activities in the areas dedicated to the dignitary flight.

3. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall release specimens of the pass and permit; issue and manage multiple- use passes; guide the airport authorities’ issuance and management of single use passes, single- use and multiple- use permits.

4. Heads of the entities serving dignitary flights shall submit the list of staff who frequently serves dignitary flights to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam for the issuance of multiple- use passes. Such list must specify the regular tasks of the persons recommended and the numbers of the of the multiple- use passes that, if not available, shall be requested by enclosing the applications for multiple- use pass with such list as per regulations of the civil aviation security program of Vietnam. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall grant security passes within 05 days from the date of receipt of the list or reject the request without clarifying reasons.

5. Heads of the entities managing the equipment operating in the airfields dedicated to dignitary flights shall submit the list of such equipment, which specifies their functions relevant to the dignitary flight, to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam for registration and issue of multiple- use permits. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall grant security permits within 5 days from the date of receipt of the list or reject the application without specifying reasons.
6. Heads or authorized persons of the entities serving a dignitary flight shall submit the lists of staff and equipment to the relevant airport authority for registration and issue of single- use permits and passes. In addition, they are required to present their passes or identification papers, and to sign the permit and pass issue logbook. After the tasks for the dignitary flight are completed, the signer of the logbook shall be responsible for retrieving and returning to the airport authority the permits and passes granted then sign the logbook to confirm the return of all permits/passes.

7. Heads or authorized persons of the entities in charge of the dignitary flight’s welcoming and farewell ceremonies shall submit the list of staff and equipment to the relevant airport authority for issue of single- use permits and passes,. In addition, they shall also submit the identification papers of the individuals recommended and sign the permit and pass issue logbook. After the tasks regarding the dignitary flight, the signer of the logbook shall retrieve and return the permits and passes granted to the airport authority, sign the logbook to confirm the return of all permits and passes then retrieve the identification.

8. Single- use permits and passes shall be given outside the areas dedicated to the dignitary flight. The airport authority and airport operator shall agree on the location, date and time for the issue of passes and permits according to the conditions of each airport. The signatures of the recipients of passes permits as specified in clause 5 and 6 hereof shall be registered with the airport authority in advance. The issue and retrieval of permits and passes shall be recorded by the issuer in the logbook which specifies the name of those granted permits and passes, their units, missions, numbers of the permits and passes, signatures and return of passes

9. In addition to the provisions hereof, issue of passes and permits shall meet and conform to regulations specified in the civil aviation security program and the Regulation on Cooperation between the Guard High Command and Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as “the Cooperation Regulation”).

10. Senior officials of the Communist Party of Vietnam and of foreign diplomatic missions welcoming or bidding farewell to the individuals on a dignitary flight, and the vehicles directly serving such individuals shall undergo security supervision but shall be exempted from security screening and requirement for security control pass and permit.

Article 19. Maintaining of security and order in airports, aerodromes during dignitary flights

1. Airport security forces shall cooperate with local police authorities in setting up checkpoint for monitoring to an airport’s entrances by employing the appropriate staff and equipment, control and maintain order during the preparation and serving of dignitary flights; discover, prevent and deal with actions against the security and safety of dignitary flights in timely manner.

2.Airport operators shall dispose sufficiently the security equipment and personnel for monitoring and controlling persons and facilities entering and exiting the areas dedicated to dignitary aircrafts, luggage and goods transported to such areas; discover, prevent and stop the threats against the security and safety of dignitary flights.

Article 20. Securing of meals for passengers on dignitary flights

1. Catering companies (referred to as the caterers) shall be responsible for the security and safety of the meals on dignitary aircrafts departing from Vietnam; store and seal the samples of such meals for at least 24 hours from the time of conveyance of the meals onto the dignitary aircraft.

2. Airport security forces under the airport operators shall cooperate with airlines operating dignitary flights and caterers in carrying out the physical inspection of airline meals for dignitary flights departing from Vietnam before storing them in the aircraft’s meal carts. Such carts shall then be sealed and escorted by security staff when transported from the processing facility to the dignitary aircraft.

3. The airlines operating dignitary flights shall cooperate with the Guard High Command in conducting proper security checks on airline meals on the dignitary aircraft abroad

4. The aircrew shall only accept the boarding of airline meal carts on which the security seal remains intact.

Article 21.Quality of fuel for dignitary aircrafts

1. The airlines shall inspect and supervise the assurance of the quality of fuel for dignitary aircrafts as per regulations.

2. Fuel, before transmitted into the aircraft, must be properly certified in writing in regard to its quality.

3. The remaining fuel on a dignitary aircraft shall undergo quality inspection according to the aircraft maintenance manual. The remaining fuel, if failing requireiments, shall be removed from the aircraft and the. aircraft’s fuel tank shall be cleaned prior to refueling.

4. The security check on the refueling vehicles for dignitary aircrafts (hereinafter referred to as “refuelers”) and their drivers before entering airfields in Vietnam shall be conducted as follows:

a) A refueler passing a public area shall be escorted by the guards of the refueling service provider;

b) Security guards of the airport operator shall check examine all refuelers and cap seals on the vehicles’ tanks prior to their entering the restricted areas;

c) The refueling service provider shall sign high-skilled and ethical refueling staff and drivers to carry out the tasks. It shall comply with the procedure for inspection of refuelers and equipment prior to refueling.

5. The inspection and supervision of security and safety before and during the process of refueling dignitary aircrafts shall be carried out as follows:

a) Aircrafts in Vietnam shall be refueled in the presence of a supervisory team that consists of the representatives of the airport authority, the technical team preparing dignitary aircraft, the airport operator and the refueling service provider. The refueling of the aircraft shall be recorded in writing by the representative of the airport authority;

b) Aircrafts shall be refueled overseas in the presence of a supervisory team that consists of the representatives of the technical team preparing the dignitary aircraft and the Guard High Command;

c) The supervisory team shall be responsible for verifying the legitimacy of the certificate of fuel quality inspection, checking the seals on inlets and outlets of the fueling equipment and vehicles, and supervising the refueling process. It shall take and seal up samples of the fuel after the aircraft is refueled in Vietnam;

d) In Vietnam, the Certificate of fuel quality inspection shall be endorsed by the signature of the head or authorized person of the fuel supplier or the head of a laboratory exercising TCVN ISO/IEC 17025.

6. the collection and storage of fuel samples and the retention of certificates of fuel quality inspection in Vietnam shall be carried out in Vietnam as follows:

a) Prior to refueling, the remaining fuel in the aircraft and the fuel stored in the refueling equipment and vehicles shall be sampled. Such fuel samples shall then be sealed and stored in a container of at least 01 liter, whose constituent materials do not alter the fuel’s properties;

b) The registration codes of the refueled aircraft and refueling vehicles, date of sampling, names of sample collectors, and date of sealing, names and signatures of sealing persons shall be specified on the label of each sample.

c) Certificates of fuel quality inspection and fuel samples shall be retained by the fuel suppliers and operators of the airports where the aircraft is refueled until the refueled aircraft safely lands at the destination airport.

7. Foreign dignitary aircrafts shall be governed by this Article and other requirements of the aircraft operators.

Article 22.Security of Vietnamese dignitary flight

1. import operators shall arrange security units to, guard, monitor and protect the dignitary aircraft upon its entry into parking position until the completion of services for the dignitary flight.

2. The doors of a dignitary aircraft parking overnight shall be sealed by airline, which then hands over it to the security team of the airport operator. The portion of apron where the aircraft taxies shall be well-lighted and monitored by guards or cameras to detect and prevent people and vehicles from accessing without permission. Jet bridges, boarding ramps, conveyor belts and other equipment shall be detached and taken away from the dignitary aircraft.

3. The security check and supervision of the aircraft, passengers, luggage and goods of a dignitary flight shall be carried out in accordance with the civil aviation security program of Vietnam and the Regulation on the cooperation between the Guard High Command and Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam in dignitary aircraft security check.

4. The aviation security check and monitoring of articles used on dignitary aircrafts shall be conducted as follows:

a) The articles used on the aircraft shall undergo X-ray screening or physical inspection and be continuously monitored before conveyed aboard the aircraft.

b) The articles used on the aircraft shall undergo security check, recounting and resorting when conveyed onto and out of the aircraft.

c) The articles on normal domestic flights in Vietnam, which have already underwent security check, can be remained on board for the dignitary flights without any repeated security check.

Article 23.Security of foreign dignitary flights

1. Airport operators shall take on responsibilities for conducting the security check on passengers, luggage and goods of a dignitary flight in the airports and cooperate with the passengers’ security units in escorting checked luggage and cargo from security checkpoints to the aircraft.

2. If foreign authorities send a diplomatic note to Vietnamese authorities on the exemption
of their dignitary flight on an exclusive aircraft from security check or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs releases a written request for such exemption, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall request airport operators in writing to obey the diplomatic note or official request.

3. Airport operators shall cooperate with relevant divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guard High Command in implementing security enhancement measures applicable to the aircraft, passengers, luggage and cargo of a foreign dignitary flight in the airports upon request of competent government authorities or according to the agreement with foreign representative agencies.

Article 24. Management of the list of security officers and aircrew in Vietnamese dignitary flights

Local airport corporations shall formulate and manage the list of aviation security staff and aircrew serving in dignitary lounges...

Chapter 6.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DIGNITARY AIRCRAFT GOVERNING

Article 25. Responsibilities of Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall:

1. Take in and deploy the missions of governing dignitary flights operated by Vietnam airlines foreign dignitary flights, and changes to the dignitary flight plans with:

a) Airport authorities;

b) Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation;

c) The airports corporation in charge of the airports where the dignitary aircraft lands and takes off.

2. Cooperate with airlines designated to operate dignitary flights in synchronizing dignitary flight plans and supervise the implementation of such plans.

3. Supervise the implementation of security and safety measures for dignitary flights; expedite and supervise the preparation dignitary flights and deal with emergencies during dignitary flights.

4. Issue flight permits for dignitary aircrafts within authority; cooperate and assist Vietnamese airlines operating dignitary flights to acquire flight permits in foreign countries

Article 26.Responsibilities of local airport authorities

Every local airport authority shall:

1. Take in for the missions on dignitary flights from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

2. Notify dignitary flight missions to state management authorities in charge of the airports; cooperate with relevant agencies in governing dignitary flights.

3. organize directly the supervision of dignitary flight missions, of the compliance of the airport’s organizations and personnel with technical regulations, aviation safety and security for dignitary flight.

Article 27. Responsibilities of operators of airports where dignitary aircraft lands or takes off

1. Take charge of providing, in the airport, the aviation security for dignitary aircrafts, passengers, cargo and luggage thereof;

2. Take charge of and arrange exclusive aprons and guards for dignitary aircraft and cooperate to protect dignitary aircraft;

3. preparation and servicing of dignitary flights in line with dignitary flight schedules;

4. Organize welcoming and farewell ceremonies according to dignitary flight missions and meet requirements of competent authorities;

5. For foreign dignitary flights: Cooperate with relevant divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Public Security in strengthening the aviation security of foreign dignitary aircrafts and passengers thereof in Vietnamese airports upon request of foreign authorities.

Article 28. Responsibilities of Vietnamese airlines designated to operate dignitary flights
Every Vietnamese airline designated to provide dignitary aircraft shall:

1. Undertake and accomplish missions for dignitary flight operations.

2. Prepare service plans for dignitary flights by specifying the primary aircraft, auxiliary aircraft routes, transit and destination countries points of destination and departure, technical specifications and information on the aircraft’s operations, and submit such plans to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

3. Apply for flight permits for domestic dignitary flights operated by airlines in accordance with current regulations of laws. Cooperate with the Consular Department – Ministry of Foreign Affairs in applying for flight permits for Vietnamese dignitary aircrafts flying oversea.

4. Take charge of and cooperate with relevant agencies in tightening aviation security and safety and adhere to Vietnamese dignitary flight schedules, cooperate with the Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Office of the National Assembly, Office of the President, Office of the Government, Directorate of State Protocol and agencies in charge of pre-flight preparation in planning services in foreign airports..

5. Formulate the service procedure, arrange seating positions, select guests when serving dignitaries and ordinary passengers on the same aircraft, establish and inform procedures for serving to the Office of the central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Office of the National Assembly, Office of the President, office of the government, Directorate of State Protocol and Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

6. Take charge of and cooperate with relevant agencies in serving passengers on dignitary flights thoroughly and safely according to the requirements of the competent authorities. Take charge of giving instructions and providing aviation security for dignitary aircraft if the dignitaries’ retinue and other persons travel on the same flight.

7. Keep passengers’ luggage, goods, documents and properties safe.

8. Cooperate with the Guard High Command in improving aviation security for dignitary aircraft, passengers, luggage and cargo when the aircraft travels overseas.

9. Cooperate with relevant agencies in implementing effective measures for aviation safety and security; transport no special passengers on commercial aircrafts on which the dignitary flights occur as per regulations on dignitary flight security.

Article 29. Responsibilities of flight activity control service providers

Every flight activity control service provider shall:

1. Cooperate with flight operation and management authorities in operating flights and managing the military airspace.

2. Implement regulations on airport operations restriction.

3. Ensure the separation between dignitary aircrafts and other aircrafts, airways, communication methods during operation of dignitary flights.

4. Ensure the continuous functioning of flight operation equipment during the operation of dignitary flights.

5. Be ready to deal with emergencies.

Article 30. Management of dignitary flight records

The entities carrying out tasks for dignitary flights shall fully record the transfer, preparation, implementation of missions and the handling of emergencies in writing in accordance with regulations on document retention and government.

Chapter 7.

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 31. Effect

This Circular enters into force after 45 days from the date on which it is signed and replaces the Decision No.02/2004/QD-BGTVT dated February 23, 2004 on introductions of civil dignitary aircraft regulations.

Article 32. Implementation

The Chief of the Ministry Office, Ministerial Chief Inspector, Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, Heads of agencies and relevant entities shall be responsible for the implementation of this Circular ./.