According to MiddleAsianNews, the signing of an agreement between USTDA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia will be an important milestone towards establishing direct flights between the United States and Mongolia.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is strengthening America's strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region by developing safe, reliable, and direct air connections between the United States and Mongolia.
On February 5, 2026, USTDA signed an agreement to fund technical assistance to support the Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) in enhancing safety oversight and civil aviation regulation, which will help achieve Category 1 (CAT 1) status from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, allowing for the launch of direct flights.
CAT 1 status will also simplify the export of rare earth oxides and other critical minerals, providing Mongolia access to international markets and strengthening the resilience of supply chains for these resources.
Thomas R. Hardy, Deputy Director of USTDA, noted: “Deepening cooperation in regulation and information sharing will enable U.S. authorities to more effectively identify transnational threats. These efforts enhance America's position in the Indo-Pacific region and bring long-term benefits to Mongolia, which seeks to modernize its aviation sector and expand international trade relations.”
To conduct the study, MCAA selected The Wicks Group Consulting, LLC (TWG), based in Washington. This working group will analyze existing deficiencies, develop a corrective action plan, and train MCAA staff to address violations of international civil aviation standards. This will facilitate funding for future investments in the aviation fleet and implement proven solutions from the U.S. instead of subsidized offerings from other countries.
Ganbold Gochoo, Deputy Minister of Road and Transport of Mongolia, emphasized: “Direct air connections will open up broad opportunities for strengthening socio-economic ties between Mongolia and the U.S. This will foster trade and friendly relations, as well as strengthen the connections between our peoples. We greatly appreciate USTDA's support and its contribution to funding the technical assistance needed to address deficiencies in safety oversight and training. This agreement is an important step towards establishing direct flights that will bring American expertise in aviation regulation and safety to Mongolia. USTDA provides us with technical solutions that will help close gaps in oversight and training, ultimately preparing our civil aviation regulatory system to achieve Category 1 status for direct flights to the U.S.”
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is an independent federal agency established in 1961. It supports countries in creating conditions for trade and developing infrastructure, which fosters the growth of market economies. The Director and Deputy Director are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate and work closely with the U.S. Secretary of State. The agency's primary mission is to promote economic growth in developing countries and ensure U.S. companies have access to these markets, ultimately leading to the creation of new jobs in the U.S. Currently, USTDA is actively working in 66 countries.
USTDA coordinates its activities with other federal agencies; however, unlike USAID, the agency focuses on projects that promote the export of U.S. goods and services. As a result, most USTDA initiatives are implemented in Latin America, Europe, and East Asia.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is a key entity for developing essential infrastructure in emerging markets, advancing the strategic interests of the U.S. and its international partners, and creating opportunities for the implementation of proven American solutions. USTDA funds preliminary technical studies that accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects, helping to attract the necessary funding for their realization and the procurement of U.S.-made goods and services.
