Date: 2001-2005

Roger Manring, Nathan Associates’ team leader for the Mongolia Civil Aviation Policy Development Project, joined Mongolia’s delegation attending the 40th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation for the Asia-Pacific Regions. Sponsored by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the conference was held in Ulaanbaatar from September 1-5. More than thirty countries sent delegates, as did the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and counterpart organizations in the United Kingdom and France.

The conference, which focused on aviation safety and security, also addressed air transport development and liberalization in civil aviation. Nathan Associates’ project, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank, is working closely with the Mongolia Civil Aviation Authority to develop a policy framework for civil aviation that will support the country’s transformation to a modern, market-based economy. These policies will help Mongolia build international aviation links for passengers and cargo while ensuring essential air services for citizens and tourists traveling within Mongolia’s vast territory.

The project has recommended a strategy of “controlled liberalization” that boosts civil aviation’s contributions to the national economy by promoting private sector participation in air transport. This strategy requires the government to concentrate on regulating air transport safety, security, and competitive behavior instead of providing aviation services, which will be provided by private operators.