AZAL seeks permission for US services by 2014

AZAL Deputy Chairman Sabir Ilyasov stated the carrier intends to obtain permission to launch services to the US by 2014 (Trend, 12-Apr-2011). "I think that we will complete all the procedures and obtain permission by 2014," he said. He added that the flight requirements are "very high". "It is necessary to pass certain audits. We are prepared for these flights. We have hired a US company to prepare us for this process." The exact cities have yet to be determined with marketing studies underway to determine the best options. The carrier is scheduled to receive two B787s in 2014, enabling it to open new routes to Europe, Southeast Asia and America.