As reported by MiddleAsianNews, the signing of an agreement between USTDA and Mongolia regarding civil aviation will be a key step in organizing direct flights between the two countries.
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is taking steps to strengthen America's position in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting the establishment of safe and reliable air routes 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 improving aviation safety standards and oversight, which is a step toward obtaining a Category 1 (CAT 1) rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. This will be an important milestone on the path to organizing direct flights between the two countries.
Thus, obtaining CAT 1 status will simplify the export of rare earth oxides and other critical minerals, opening Mongolia to global markets and facilitating the creation of sustainable supply chains for these resources.
“Expanding cooperation in regulation and data exchange between the U.S. and Mongolia will allow our authorities to more effectively identify and prevent transnational threats,” noted Thomas R. Hardy, Deputy Director of USTDA. “These efforts will help strengthen America's position in the Indo-Pacific region and provide long-term benefits to Mongolia, which is seeking to modernize its aviation sector and expand international trade.”
For the study, MCAA selected The Wicks Group Consulting, LLC (TWG) from Washington. The group of specialists will analyze current issues, propose a corrective action plan, and provide training for MCAA staff to address non-compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. This work will help stimulate funding for investments in the aviation fleet and create opportunities for implementing reliable American solutions instead of subsidized alternatives from other countries.
Ganbold Gochoo, Deputy Minister of Road and Transport of Mongolia, emphasized: “Direct air communication will create enormous opportunities for the development of socio-economic ties between Mongolia and the U.S. It will promote the strengthening of trade and friendly relations between our countries, as well as improve connections between our peoples. We greatly appreciate USTDA's support and its contribution to funding technical assistance that will help Mongolia enhance safety oversight, train personnel, and modernize the civil aviation regulatory system. This agreement is a significant step toward establishing direct flights between our states, allowing us to attract American expertise to improve the efficiency of regulation and flight safety oversight. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency provides Mongolia with technical solutions to address deficiencies in safety oversight and personnel training, which will ultimately help Mongolia successfully achieve Category 1 status for organizing its own direct flights to the U.S.”
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is an independent federal agency established in 1961 that helps other countries develop trade by creating infrastructure that fosters market economies. The Director and Deputy Director are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate and work in coordination with the U.S. Secretary of State. The agency's goal is to support economic growth in developing countries and provide American companies with opportunities to access their markets, ultimately leading to the creation of new jobs in the U.S. Currently, USTDA is actively working in 66 countries.
USTDA operates in collaboration with other federal agencies; however, unlike USAID, the agency focuses on projects that promote the export of American goods and services. As a result, most of their projects are implemented in Latin America, Europe, and East Asia.
USTDA serves as a key U.S. entity for developing critical infrastructure in emerging markets, advancing the strategic interests of the United States and its partners, and creating opportunities for implementing proven American solutions. The agency funds preliminary technical work that accelerates the development process of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the necessary funding for implementation and procurement of American goods and services.
