Mr. Hoang Trung Kien (on the far left) and his coworkers could not forget how anxious, moved, and proud they were. (Cre: VNA).

It is the responsibility of a Party member!

How did you feel upon receiving the news that you were going to work on the flight to Wuhan?

Upon receiving news, frankly, I was a bit nervous at first. How could one not be as the outbreak was constantly seeing rapid and complicated developments – and Wuhan is the epicenter of the said outbreak. However, I quickly set aside my worry and replaced it with a strong belief in the competence of leadership at all levels. Personally, I considered this mission as a responsibility of a Party member, of an officer standing before a tough assignment.

Mr. Hoang Trung Kiet sets his worry aside and puts trust in the competence of leadership and his coworkers at all levels before any tough assignment. (Cre: Trung Kien). 

What were your family’s feelings when learning that you would be on this special mission?

My wife – at first – was also worried, but she then accepted it and encouraged me so that I could have peace of mind for the coming journey.

She told our children that I went to Wuhan because I must share responsibility with the company as well as the community. Also, the mission is a noble action that helped transport a large number of medical supplies to the Chinese people and to carry Vietnamese citizens back to their motherland safely.

Many plans were prepared!

What did you find most emotional during the flight?

It was the presence of a 36-week pregnant woman, which required the whole team as well as doctors to carefully prepare a plan in case she went into labor on board. We had meticulously planned where she could give birth to her baby, how to set up all equipment, and what to do in case the flight must be diverted. Fortunately, we did not have to implement any of those plans.

How did you feel when all Vietnamese citizens had safely returned to their home country?

During the boarding phase in Wuhan, the passengers were clearly tired and uneasy. However, when they were on board, I could see their eyes light up with joy. Upon landing at Van Don International Airport, everyone burst into palpable happiness and immediately phoned their loved ones to notify them of their safe flight – even though it was only 5:00 am.

Before or during the flight, many scenarios had been carefully prepared. (Cre: Trung Kien).

Proud to be a member of VIAGS and Vietnam Airlines!

We also know that you were a part of the evacuation mission for Vietnam nationals in Libya. Can you share your memory about this flight?

I did indeed attend a special trip to Egypt with VNA in 2014 to bring workers in Libya back to Vietnam. Back then, many plans and scenarios were also prepared and considered. At that point, nobody knew how many flights and how long it would take to fulfill the mission. However, during that time, the whole team worked with a determination as if we were on a battlefield. Because it was an immensely meaningful mission, we all tried our best to fulfill it.  We ended the mission with 100% of flights operated safely – a true marvel.

With the tasks assigned by the Party, the Government, and the people to VNA, and to its staff members, I am strongly impressed with the enthusiasm and sense of responsibility of each VNA’ employee. Thus, I’m even more proud of the organization where I have worked for nearly 20 years.

Having completed the mission successfully, how do you feel now?

I am really happy to contribute a small part to the success of the flight. I am proud to be a member of VIAGS and Vietnam Airlines.

Nguyen Mai Huong-COMM