Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ULAANBAATAR264
2008-06-04 21:49:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Cable title:
MONGOLIA ADDS NEW AIR CORRIDORS, CASHES IN ON AMPLE
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ULAANBAATAR 000264
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/CM AND EB/TRAN/AN
STATE PASS USTDA, EXIMBANK AND OPIC
STATE PASS TO AID/ANE
TOKYO, BEIJING AND SINGAPORE FOR FAA REP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR PGOV ECON AMGT MG
SUBJECT: MONGOLIA ADDS NEW AIR CORRIDORS, CASHES IN ON AMPLE
OVERFLIGHTS
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ULAANBAATAR 000264
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/CM AND EB/TRAN/AN
STATE PASS USTDA, EXIMBANK AND OPIC
STATE PASS TO AID/ANE
TOKYO, BEIJING AND SINGAPORE FOR FAA REP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR PGOV ECON AMGT MG
SUBJECT: MONGOLIA ADDS NEW AIR CORRIDORS, CASHES IN ON AMPLE
OVERFLIGHTS
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Mongolia's Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) has
added three new air corridors and entry/exit points to accommodate
30% annual increases in air traffic and the expected 40% spike in
flyovers during the Beijing Olympics. Approximately 200 flights
pass over Mongolia each day (30 originating from North America),but
only seven or so actually land here. The MCAA collects over US$50
million in flyover fees every year. On November 24, 2007, an Air
France airbus nearly collided with a KLM aircraft, highlighting
concerns about air traffic control training and equipment. A new
Japanese-financed airport opening circa 2015 and recently purchased
radar equipment will help, but MCAA is also focused on building ties
with the FAA to open up training opportunities for flight
controllers. In other news, the national carrier MIAT will soon
withdraw completely from domestic service when its single Antonov
aircraft is decommissioned next month. However, there are
suggestions from competitors that MIAT may purchase two ATR
aircraft as replacements and then, through heavy price subsidies,
look to drive private competition from the skies. END SUMMARY.
2. (SBU) At a May 29 meeting with Econoff, attended by Econ
Assistant and newly arrived Econ/Pol Intern Michael Evans
(notetaker),MCAA's Deputy Director General A. Baldandorj elaborated
on Mongolia's decision to open three additional air corridors
through Mongolian airspace and to establish three new exit/entry
points (two to China and one to Russia). Baldandorj said air
traffic over Mongolia has in recent years been increasing by 30%
annually, with the Beijing Olympics expected to produce a 40%
up-tick this summer. Air corridor length within the country now
totals 10,000 km, and authorities are planning to open another air
corridor near Mongolia's eastern border with China. MCAA's Senior
Air Traffic Control Expert J. Bayarsaikhan and ASM Specialist S.
Buyandalai also attended the meeting.
15% OF AIR TRAFFIC ORIGINATES IN NORTH AMERICA
-------------- --
3. (U) Approximately 200 international flights per day pass through
Mongolian airspace, and only a half dozen touch down at
Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khan International Airport (mainly from
Beijing, Berlin, Moscow, Tokyo and Seoul). 15% of international air
traffic originates in North America, via the Polar 2 or 3 routes,
most crossing over the country's eastern provinces of Dornod and
Sukhbaatar on their way to China's major eastern cities. Europe -
Beijing/Singapore routes represent the largest portion of
Mongolia's' flyovers following the Asia 1 route that runs from NW
Mongolia to the southern border near Morit. Last year, air carriers
paid approximately US$50 million in flyover fees to MCAA, 60% of
which was funneled direct
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/CM AND EB/TRAN/AN
STATE PASS USTDA, EXIMBANK AND OPIC
STATE PASS TO AID/ANE
TOKYO, BEIJING AND SINGAPORE FOR FAA REP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR PGOV ECON AMGT MG
SUBJECT: MONGOLIA ADDS NEW AIR CORRIDORS, CASHES IN ON AMPLE
OVERFLIGHTS
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Mongolia's Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) has
added three new air corridors and entry/exit points to accommodate
30% annual increases in air traffic and the expected 40% spike in
flyovers during the Beijing Olympics. Approximately 200 flights
pass over Mongolia each day (30 originating from North America),but
only seven or so actually land here. The MCAA collects over US$50
million in flyover fees every year. On November 24, 2007, an Air
France airbus nearly collided with a KLM aircraft, highlighting
concerns about air traffic control training and equipment. A new
Japanese-financed airport opening circa 2015 and recently purchased
radar equipment will help, but MCAA is also focused on building ties
with the FAA to open up training opportunities for flight
controllers. In other news, the national carrier MIAT will soon
withdraw completely from domestic service when its single Antonov
aircraft is decommissioned next month. However, there are
suggestions from competitors that MIAT may purchase two ATR
aircraft as replacements and then, through heavy price subsidies,
look to drive private competition from the skies. END SUMMARY.
2. (SBU) At a May 29 meeting with Econoff, attended by Econ
Assistant and newly arrived Econ/Pol Intern Michael Evans
(notetaker),MCAA's Deputy Director General A. Baldandorj elaborated
on Mongolia's decision to open three additional air corridors
through Mongolian airspace and to establish three new exit/entry
points (two to China and one to Russia). Baldandorj said air
traffic over Mongolia has in recent years been increasing by 30%
annually, with the Beijing Olympics expected to produce a 40%
up-tick this summer. Air corridor length within the country now
totals 10,000 km, and authorities are planning to open another air
corridor near Mongolia's eastern border with China. MCAA's Senior
Air Traffic Control Expert J. Bayarsaikhan and ASM Specialist S.
Buyandalai also attended the meeting.
15% OF AIR TRAFFIC ORIGINATES IN NORTH AMERICA
-------------- --
3. (U) Approximately 200 international flights per day pass through
Mongolian airspace, and only a half dozen touch down at
Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khan International Airport (mainly from
Beijing, Berlin, Moscow, Tokyo and Seoul). 15% of international air
traffic originates in North America, via the Polar 2 or 3 routes,
most crossing over the country's eastern provinces of Dornod and
Sukhbaatar on their way to China's major eastern cities. Europe -
Beijing/Singapore routes represent the largest portion of
Mongolia's' flyovers following the Asia 1 route that runs from NW
Mongolia to the southern border near Morit. Last year, air carriers
paid approximately US$50 million in flyover fees to MCAA, 60% of
which was funneled direct