On February 2, 2012, the United States Trade and Development Agency (“USTDA”) approved a grant to the State Civil Aviation Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan (“SCAA”) to partially fund the proposed Aviation Safety Phase II Project in Azerbaijan. The USTDA advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, early investment analysis, training, reverse trade missions and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair, open trading environment.
The grant will provide technical assistance to the SCAA that will assist Azerbaijan in meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards in the areas of aviation safety and security oversight, thereby creating opportunities for U.S. exports of U.S. manufactured goods and services. The funds will provide for continued guidance as the SCAA improves its civil aviation safety regulatory system and comply with ICAO guidelines.
Additionally, Azerbaijan Airlines and Silk Way Airlines – the national passenger and cargo carriers, respectively, have agreed to contribute funds toward the completion of the Technical Assistance program.
Azerbaijan’s economy has grown at double-digit rates for the past nine years. As prosperity has improved, demand has increased for international air traffic. Azerbaijan Airlines and Silk Way Airlines – the national passenger and cargo carriers, respectively – have responded by placing orders for long-haul Boeing aircraft, one of the main objectives being direct flights to and from the United States. In order to help the Azeris achieve this goal, the USTDA grant awarded today will provide guidance to the SCAA on improving its civil aviation safety regulatory system and complying with ICAO guidelines.
Final approval and signing of the Grant Agreement is expected before March 31, 2012.
For further information or questions regarding the Aviation Safety Phase II Project in Azerbaijan, contact Glenn Wicks or Ronce Almond at (202) 457-7790.