As reported by MiddleAsianNews, the signing of a new agreement between USTDA and the Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority marks an important step towards organizing direct flights between the United States and Mongolia.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is actively working to strengthen America's position in the Indo-Pacific region by creating safe and reliable air routes between the two countries.

On February 5, 2026, USTDA signed an agreement to provide technical assistance to support the Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) in improving aviation safety regulation and oversight, which will allow Mongolia to strive for Category 1 (CAT 1) status from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. This will be an important step towards establishing direct flights between the two countries.

Achieving CAT 1 status will also simplify the export of rare earth elements and other critical minerals, enabling Mongolia to access international markets and create more resilient supply chains.

Thomas R. Hardy, Deputy Director of USTDA, noted: "Deepening cooperation in regulation and information sharing between the U.S. and Mongolia will allow for faster identification and mitigation of transnational threats. These efforts strengthen America's position in the Indo-Pacific region and provide long-term benefits to Mongolia, which seeks to modernize its aviation sector and develop international trade."

For the study, MCAA selected The Wicks Group Consulting, LLC (TWG), based in Washington. The working group will analyze current deficiencies, develop an action plan, and provide targeted training for MCAA staff to address violations of International Civil Aviation Organization standards. This will help attract funding for future investments in the aviation fleet and implement proven American solutions instead of subsidized alternatives from other countries.

Gankbold Gochoo, Deputy Minister of Road and Transport of Mongolia, stated: "Establishing direct air communication will create enormous opportunities for deepening socio-economic ties between Mongolia and the U.S. It will promote trade development and strengthen friendly relations between our countries. We greatly appreciate USTDA's support and its contribution to funding the technical assistance needed to address gaps in safety oversight and personnel training. This agreement is an important step towards establishing direct flights, which will allow us to leverage American expertise to enhance the effectiveness of civil aviation regulation in Mongolia."

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is an independent federal agency established in 1961. It is responsible for assisting other countries in creating favorable conditions for trade and developing infrastructure that supports market economies. The Director and Deputy Director of the agency are appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate and work in coordination with the U.S. Secretary of State. USTDA's mission is to promote economic growth in developing countries and ensure access for American companies to their markets, ultimately creating new jobs in the U.S. The agency currently operates in 66 countries.

USTDA operates in a coordinated manner with other federal agencies, but unlike the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), it prioritizes projects that ensure the export of American goods and services. As a result, most USTDA projects are implemented in Latin America, Europe, and East Asia.

The agency is a key government entity for developing critical infrastructure in emerging markets, advancing the strategic interests of the U.S. and its partners, and creating opportunities for the implementation of proven American solutions. USTDA funds preliminary technical work that accelerates the implementation of infrastructure projects, helping to attract the necessary funding for their execution and the procurement of American products.

Published Date:2026-02-09