Armenia May Become Transit Country For Internation

[MosJan]

ARMENIA MAY BECOME TRANSIT COUNTRY FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

 

Armenian Armavia commercial carrier is now operating flights that were previously operated by the national carrier Armenian Airlines (AA). The controlling stake of Armavia belongs to the second largest Russian Siberian Airlines. It has also committed to meet AA’s obligations. The newly appointed head of Armavia Peter Smith told in an interview with the daily Azg that they want to create an Armenian air company that would meet all international standards.

 

The AA operated with losses, especially in recent months. It particularly, has big debts to international companies and other serious problems. “These problems are being gradually specified and taking over the AA has brought about a series of difficulties. Even today some flights are being cancelled because of previously accumulated debts, which naturally causes passengers and ours discontent, but we are gradually identifying the main problems to seek their solutions,” Peter Smith said.

 

Armavia now owns one Airbus A-320, but the company is planning to bring two more planes in three weeks and then it will bring another two, smaller planes, for operating short-distance flights. “After extensive negotiations with the Russian side we have nearly settled the problem of debts. That is we are committed to pay them. We also need the support of the Zvartnots airport and we are negotiating with its managers now. If these plans materialize Armenia may emerge as a country with the most modern carrier among other former Soviet republics,” he said.

 

Peter Smith also said that Armavia is restoring international flights, formerly operated by AA. The flight to Amsterdam is operated already and soon another flight to Frankfurt will be restored. All in all Armavia will operate about 35 flights. According to Mr. Smith Armenia may also serve as a transit country for Russian flights from Siberia and Moscow to Turkey and Middle East. “One of the priorities now is to replace the hired international staff by local professionals, which is set by the takeover contract. Flight attendants are already local girls, who passed an extensive retraining program,” he said, adding that the decision of the airport to repair the runway may cause some problems. “But we have agreed with the airport management that the runway must be open for certain hours of the day not to disrupt our work, especially in summer with the biggest flow of passengers,” he added.

 

He explained that Armavia decision to cut the employees from 1,700 to 400 is a right one, as having inflated personnel for the limited number of flights is not expedient.

 

By A.M