Direct flights to U.S. to begin before 2015: Richard Morningstar
By Nazrin Gadimova
The U.S. Ambassador said his country is looking forward to opening AZAL's direct flights.
Richard Morningstar made the remarks at a meeting held in Azerbaijani Airlines' office on April 1.
The meeting discussed the procedures which allow direct flights to the United States. The procedures became possible after Azerbaijan gained the status of the first category in aviation safety.
Morningstar said the acquisition of the first category status is a lengthy process.
"We have patiently and resolutely passed most of the way," the ambassador said. "I hope that the implementation of direct flights to the U.S. will be possible before the end of this year. Moreover, I should note the high level of AZAL service, which has modern airliners."
The U.S. diplomat congratulated Azerbaijani airlines, saying that this is a clear evidence of successful cooperation between the two countries in the field of aviation.
AZAL President Jahangir Asgarov, in turn, praised Azerbaijan's acquisition of the first category status, adding that strengthening the material and technical basis of national airlines, as well as upgrading the aircraft fleets by acquiring modern aircrafts set the stage for opening direct flights.
He said this will serve as an impetus for the development of US-Azerbaijani relations.
Asgarov said opening direct flights to the U.S. confirms the attention President Aliyev has paid to the development of Azerbaijan's national aviation.
"Certain procedures will be carried out, after which Azerbaijani Airlines will launch direct flights to the United States. Today's meeting is important for discussing corresponding issues," he said.
Head of the Commerce Section of the Embassy Hagel Maroni told local journalists that Azerbaijan's acquisition of the first category status is the result of successful cooperation between the two countries in the field of aviation.
Expressing confidence that Azerbaijan will launch direct flights to the U.S. by the end of this year, the diplomat said establishing these flights will have a positive affect on the development of tourism and trade.
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) placed Azerbaijan in category 1 for aviation safety in early March.
The FAA determined that the Azerbaijani State Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) is effectively fulfilling its safety oversight obligations as a member state of the International Civil Aviation Organization in all eight critical elements.
The determination was made following a Technical Review mission to Azerbaijan conducted by an FAA team in October, 2013, and subsequent comprehensive technical discussions with the SCAA in December, 2013, and January, 2014, to review the progress that SCAA made.