Abandoned Boeing at Vietnamese airport finds new life as student training tool

The Vietnam Aviation Academy plans to receive the aircraft and move it to the school's campus in Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa Province, under a proposal by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) submitted to the Ministry of Construction.

The academy will hire a specialized team to dismantle, transport, and reassemble the plane at an estimated cost of VND8.7-9.6 billion ($340,000-$380,000). By comparison, importing a new aircraft model for training would cost around VND500 billion.

Although no longer capable of flying, the Boeing retains essential components such as its frame, cockpit instruments, passenger seats, landing gear and engines. These parts will be used to train students in aircraft maintenance, operations, aviation security, cabin crew procedures and air traffic control.

The CAAV said repurposing the abandoned plane is a practical solution that fits modern aviation training needs and legal requirements. The academy said it has enough funds from tuition and sponsorships to cover the entire project without using state budget.

The aircraft, previously owned by Cambodia's Royal Khmer Airlines, was parked at Noi Bai in May 2007. After Cambodia revoked the airline's operating license in 2014, the plane was classified as abandoned. Authorities initially considered auctioning it off, but its deteriorated condition made valuation difficult, leading to the decision to repurpose it as public training equipment.