At the "Sky Aspirations" subsection of the National Exhibition Center in Hanoi, nearly 10 airplanes and helicopters are on display for the public to explore. This is one of the highlights of the 80th Anniversary of Independence - Freedom - Happiness Exhibition.

The 10,000 m2 exhibition area recreates the flight journey from check-in procedures and security checks to boarding and arriving at the terminal. It also showcases Vietnam's modern aviation technology.

A prominent display is the IL-14 aircraft with the registration number VN-C482, which once carried President Ho Chi Minh and many high-ranking leaders of the Party and State. The aircraft was transported by road from the Aviation Museum on 14/8.

According to historical documents, in 1957, the Soviet Union provided Vietnam with five IL-14 aircraft. Notably, the VN-C482 was reserved for President Ho Chi Minh, becoming his official aircraft for business trips, conferences, and important diplomatic journeys.

This was also the first IL-14 aircraft assigned to the 919 Transport Air Regiment, the predecessor of Flight Squadron 919 – the core force of Vietnam Airlines today. Thus, the VN-C482 is not just an aviation artifact, but also a historical symbol and the starting point of the country's civil aviation industry.

The aircraft is 22.31 m long with a wingspan of 31.70 m and can carry 26 to 36 passengers. It is equipped with two propeller engines, has a maximum speed of 415 km/h, a service ceiling of 6,500 m, and a range of 1,700 km.

The interior is designed like a true private aircraft, complete with a bed, desk, seats, restroom, sink, and luxurious carpeting.

For transport, large components like the wings, tail, propellers, and wheels had to be disassembled and then reassembled at the exhibition space.

Nearby is an Airbus aircraft on display. The aircraft, owned by Aircraft Engineering Services Company (AESC), has reached the end of its service life and has been converted for training, technical education, and practical observation. It was transported to the exhibition center on an oversized truck.

The A320, the first passenger aircraft equipped with a full digital flight control system, is 37.6 m long, has a wingspan of 35.8 m, and a maximum speed of 905 km/h.

On the opening day, hundreds of people queued to experience the aircraft, with 15 to 20 guests allowed on board at a time.

Nguyen Tra Mi, 20, from Dong Anh (Hanoi), experienced being a pilot for the first time. A technician guided her to the seat, introduced her to the equipment, and showed her basic controls. "It's a very interesting and new feeling to see from the cockpit compared to a passenger seat," Tra Mi said.

In addition to regular passenger seats, the cabin also features work and meeting areas, offering visitors a realistic experience.

The tail and wings of the aircraft are open, allowing visitors to observe the engine structure and the luggage compartment.

Two Tucano Replica aircraft, manufactured by Flying Legend (Italy), are ultralight, two-seat sports planes made of aluminum alloy. This model has a maximum speed of nearly 295 km/h and a range of about 900 km.

The Eurocopter EC-155 B1 (Airbus H155) helicopter is also on display. This multi-role, medium-class helicopter, launched in 1997, is commonly used for VIP transport, offshore oil and gas operations, and search and rescue.

The helicopter is 14.3 m long, 4.9 m high, has a maximum takeoff weight of nearly 4.9 tons, a cruising speed of 270 km/h, a range of 820 km, and a service ceiling of 6,000 m. The EC-155 B1 can carry a maximum of 12 to 13 passengers or 6 to 8 VIP seats. Its key features include a noise-reducing tail rotor, enhanced safety, and a spacious, flexible cabin suitable for various missions.

Inside the exhibition area is the American A600 Talon helicopter, designed for individual self-assembly or purchase as a complete unit. This two-seat aircraft has an enclosed cabin with panoramic windows, a speed of about 160 km/h, a service ceiling of 3,000 m, and a weight of 680 kg. The A600 Talon is currently one of the most popular self-assembly helicopter models.

At the Vietnam Airlines booth, people are lining up to experience the business class cabin through virtual reality. The simulated Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City flight experience accommodates about six guests at a time.

In addition to aircraft, various modern aviation accessories and technologies are also on display.

The 80th Anniversary of National Achievements Exhibition, spanning nearly 260,000 m2 – the largest scale to date – brings together 34 provinces and cities, 28 ministries and sectors, along with over 230 booths from 106 state-owned and private enterprises. The event opened at 1 PM on 28/8 and will be open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM until 5/9.

Quynh Tran