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The opening of direct flights between the U.S. and Azerbaijan is a positive development for both countries, according to Susan Kurland, the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In an interview with Trend, Kurland said such flights can promote partnerships, trade, tourism, and economic growth.
She said that on May 21, Azerbaijan Airlines received its initial economic license from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which permits it to conduct its proposed scheduled service between Baku and New York.
“The carrier can begin operations once it has also received the necessary authorities from other U.S. government agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and Customs and Border Protection, and has made the necessary arrangements with the local airport authorities in New York,” Kurland added.
Speaking about other directions in the U.S. for the future direct flights, Kurland said the U.S. will consider future applications for additional services.
“Aviation negotiators of the United States and Azerbaijan have been discussing a possible Open Skies air transport agreement,” Kurland stressed. “An Open Skies agreement would give Azerbaijani carriers the right to serve all points in the U.S. from all points in Azerbaijan.”
Trend.az
