Delgersaikhan Borkhuu met with representatives of Wicks Group Consulting, led by Managing Director and Project Manager Mr. Glenn Wicks, on June 18, 2026.

The meeting focused on Mongolia’s preparations for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) audit. The parties also discussed the implementation of the Air Transport Agreement signed between Mongolia and the United States signed in 2023 and exchanged views on efforts to strengthen Mongolia’s civil aviation safety oversight system in line with international standards.

Minister B.Delgersaikhan noted that the Air Transport Agreement between Mongolia and the United States is important not only for providing more convenient travel opportunities for Mongolian citizens but also for expanding trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries.

He emphasized that completing the FAA’s IASA audit is an important step toward launching direct flights between Mongolia and the United States. To support this goal, the Government of Mongolia is taking measures to improve civil aviation legislation, strengthen safety oversight, enhance aviation inspectors' capacity, and support the development of the aviation sector.

Wicks Group Consulting is providing technical advisory services to the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAAM) to support Mongolia’s efforts to establish direct air services with the United States. The assistance is being provided through a grant funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

The parties reviewed the progress of activities being implemented under the USD 2.2 million USTDA-funded project and discussed the next steps in preparation for the IASA audit. Both sides agreed to continue working closely throughout the preparation process.

Representatives of Wicks Group Consulting highlighted the importance of aligning Mongolia’s aviation legislation, regulations, and procedures with international standards. They also stressed the need to strengthen human resource capacity, particularly by increasing the number and qualifications of aviation safety inspectors and ensuring that safety requirements are implemented in accordance with international practices.