Korea Aerospace University (KAU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Civil Aviation of the Lao PDR (DCAL) on October 16 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Vientiane, Laos. The agreement aims to establish a training system for aviation safety inspectors and pilots.

This MOU is one of the key outcomes of the 2024–2025 Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) project titled “Improvement of the Aviation Operation System at Luang Prabang International Airport (Phase II).” It represents a significant step toward strengthening the institutional foundation and human resource capacity of the Lao aviation industry.

Professor Jang-Ryong Lee, Head of the Aviation Safety Center at KAU, signed the agreement on behalf of President Hee-Young Heo. On the Lao side, Mr. Khamla Phommavanh, Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation, also signed the MOU. The ceremony was attended by officials from both organizations, as well as representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Laos, KOTRA headquarters, and the KOTRA Vientiane Trade Office.

Through this MOU, both parties agreed to collaborate on:

- Establishing education and training systems for aviation safety inspectors and pilots

- Jointly developing training materials and evaluation tools

- Conducting feasibility studies for establishing aviation education institutions

- Linking the project with ODA cooperation funds in partnership with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and related organizations

In particular, KAU will support the operation of an aviation safety inspector training program aligned with ICAO standards and introduce a “Train the Trainer” course to help Laos build a self-sustaining education system.

The two institutions will also develop a “Zero Time to Airline” pilot training program to ensure a stable supply of flight personnel and promote the modernization of aviation education infrastructure, contributing to the sustainable growth of the Lao aviation industry.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will form a joint working group for the next five years to develop a detailed work plan and monitor implementation in collaboration with the KOTRA Vientiane Trade Office.