Dec 24, 2010

Armavia to operate Yerevan-Bratislava-Yerevan flights

Starting January 17, 2011, Armavia Airlines will launch Yerevan-Bratislava-Yerevan regular flights, Armavia press office reports.
In winter schedule, the flights will be operated on Mondays, from Yerevan, at 09.20 pm local time.
In summer schedule, Armavia will increase the frequency of flights between Yerevan and Bratislava up to 2 flights a week, on Mondays and Fridays, from Yerevan, at 10.45 pm local time.

Source: aysor.am





 





Dec 20, 2010

Europe heavy snow not to affect Armavia flights


Snow and freezing temperatures delayed flights across northern Europe. Flights at main airports were cancelled in Great Britain and France.
Armavia Air company carries out regular flights to Europe, particularly Amsterdam, Athens, Rome, Paris and other European cities, the company informed news.am .
According to foreign media, Air France said there were serious delays at the two main Parisian airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly following a snowstorm on Monday morning.

Source: news.am

Dec 17, 2010

Reports on Armavia passengers’ refusal to fly to Moscow untrue

According to information posted on social networks, on December 17 only 7 passengers took Armavia air company’s flight to Moscow, while the rest refused to fly and returned their tickets.
However, the company’s press service rejected this information. “All flights to Moscow are implemented as per the schedule, while reports that tickets were returned are untrue,” Armavia told a  panarmenian.net reporter. “Moreover, the company increases the number of flights to this destination.”
Dissemination of similar information is based on the fact that the number of ethnic crimes continues growing in Moscow and regions.
On December 16, a citizen of Uzbekistan was killed by unknown persons in Moscow. A suspect has been detained.
Besides, a citizen of Vietnam was killed in the Russian capital. According to Russian news agencies, even children are engaged in ethnic riots – a schoolboy knifed his schoolmate in Dolgoprudniy (Moscow suburb), a native of Caucasus.

Source: panarmenian.net

Dec 16, 2010

Armavia increases number of flights on eve of New Year holidays

Armavia air company reported that U8518/517 Yerevan-Moscow-Yerevan flights will be implemented to Moscow Domodedovo airport instead of Vnukovo airport from December 20, 2010.
Thus, starting from December 20, 2010, the company will be implementing three Yerevan-Moscow-Yerevan flights to Domodedovo airport and two flights to Vnukovo airport.
Taking into consideration the increased demand during New Year holidays, the company will implement to additional flights to Moscow Domodedovo airport - U8522/521 on December 26 and 29.

Source: panarmenian.net

Sukhoy Superjet 100 first aircraft to arrive in Armenia Feb. 2011

Sukhoy Superjet 100 first aircraft to arrive in Armenia Feb. 2011

Sukhoy Civil Aircraft (SCA) CJSC will supply Sukhoy Superjet 100 first aircraft to Armenian Armavia air company in February 2011, while the first two aircrafts to Russian Aeroflot air company will be supplied in March 2011.
ARMS-TASS reported with reference to the press service of SCA that the aircraft after being painted in colors of Armavia company will be transferred to the client.
As a whole, SCA CJSC intends to supply 17 Sukhoy Superjet 100 aircrafts until the end of 2011.
Currently, the portfolio of orders for Sukhoy Superjet 100 makes 150 aircrafts, while SCA CJSC is going to sell 893 aircrafts as part of the project on Superjet creation.
The total proceeds from the program are estimated at $31.5bln; the income is supposed to be $5.5bln.
Sukhoy Superjet 100 should substitute TU-134 aircrafts being exploited now.

Source: panarmenian.net

Dec 10, 2010

Armavia aircraft returned to Yerevan and will leave for Tbilisi today

Yesterday Armavia air craft heading from Yerevan to Tbilisi took off at 5:30 p.m. but failed to land at the Tbilisi airport due to fog, Nana Avetisova, spokesperson for Armavia, told NEWS.am. She added that the flight will be carried out today.
“The air craft had to return to Yerevan. Today Armavia air craft will leave for Tbilisi at 7:30 p.m. if there are no weather problems,” she said.
As NEWS.am reported earlier, on December 10 all flights from Tbilisi International Airport were delayed. The flights to Baku, Istanbul and European cities were delayed.
The aircraft of Armavia Air company also failed to land at the airport.

Source: news.am

Tbilisi International Airport paralyzed due to heavy fog

The Tbilisi International Airport has been paralyzed due to heavy fog this morning.
The airport failed to carry out several flights to Baku, Istanbul and other cities in Europe as a reult, the airport told Trend.
An Armavia aircraft flying from Yerevan also failed to land at the airport this morning.
While the fog is heavy and it is unclear when the delayed flights will be carried out.
Some passengers have already returned their tickets and are looking for alternative ways to leave Tbilisi.

Source: http://en.trend.az/capital/business/1795368.html

Dec 6, 2010

Araik Abgaryan: Armenian aviation security high

Armenia replaced soviet-era planes by Airbuses and Boeings, head of the Armaeronavigation security audit division said.
“I wouldn’t say that soviet planes are bad, but they do not meet European standards,” Araik Abgaryan told journalists on December 6.
“The level of aviation security in Armenia is high, with all of 13 jets undergoing technical tests periodically. Moreover, the country is leading among the other CIS member states,” Abgaryan said.
Asked why Zvartnots airport is not used as transit destination, Abgaryan said that as soon as a new terminal is ready, Armenia will be able to operate transit flights.
He also informed that currently Armavia is negotiating the possibility of Armenia-U.S. direct flights.

Source: panarmenian.net

Dec 4, 2010

VivaCell-MTS, Armavia launch joint action

VivaCell-MTS has announced that starting November 24 all passengers on Armavia flights can receive VivaCell-MTS prepaid cards free of charge.
In the framework of a joint promotional action of VivaCell-MTS and Armavia Air Company, henceforth, special vouchers will be distributed to all passengers on Armavia flights to Armenia, during the flights. These can be redeemed against VivaCell-MTS prepaid cards, with any tariff plan, at one of VivaCell-MTS Service Centers, at anytime.
Persons aged 14 or above can receive the card upon presenting their passport.
As for all other coming flights, passengers can get a prepaid card free of charge, from the Airport free zone arrival VivaCell-MTS Service Center.

Source: panarmenian.net

Dec 3, 2010

Armavia awards its 700,000th passenger

On December 3, Armavia air company gifted a TV set to its 700,000th passenger – Lusine Mosoyan – who used the company’s services for three times in past three days.
Lusine Mosoyan brought to Armenia а leaded panel with picture of Our Lady, which she created for Etchmiadzin.
“Compliant with its traditions, Armavia prepared a surprise also this time for the 700,000th passenger,” Armavia Acting Commercial Director Aghvan Grigoryan said.
According to him, the passenger traffic grew in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
Grigoryan expressed hope that in 2011 the company will gain a record index of 1,000,000 passengers, while the lucky passenger will be granted a Mercedes car.

Source: panarmenian.net

Nov 30, 2010

Monopolists hamper tourism development in Armenia

Director of Avarayr incoming tour operator Arkady Sahakyan said that Armenia has a large base of tourism services in winter period, including for active and passive rest.
However, provision of these services is hampered by many factors, Sahakyan told a press conference.
According to him, the condition of Armenia’s roads leading to places of interest is deplorable during winter.
“Recently, we held negotiations with owners of hotels in Tsaghkadzor resort on decrease of prices. At the same time, Armavia national carrier does not provide any discounts. For example, Siberian Airlines offer clients a 40% discount during winter season, while we are uncompetitive due to high prices for air tickets,” he said.
According to Sahakyan, unfortunately, tourists can arrive in Armenia only by airplane, while national monopolists – Armavia company and Zvartnots Airport – pursue an unclear pricing, exploiting the situation.
“Hotels of Armenia’s resorts will be packed until January 15, but there will be no visitors from January 15 to March, as the internal market cannot afford using such expensive services. Besides, the loading level of hotels around Lake Sevan is decreasing by 30-35% from year to year, due to affordable and high-quality services in Georgia. The same situation is faced in Tsaghkadzor,” said Sahakyan.
Besides, according to the expert, tourism development is hampered by long winter vacations, as tourists, who are in Armenia from December 30 to January 8, cannot visit museums, exhibitions, theaters, etc.

Source: panarmenian.net

Nov 23, 2010

German Ambassador complains about Armavia’s high prices


At today’s press conference German Ambassador to Armenia Hans-Jochen Schmidt complained about high prices for the services of Armavia air company.
According to him, prices for tickets from Yerevan are too high. Armavia is a competitive company unlike its prices. The Ambassador stressed that it is very hard to speak of competition in Armenia’s air transportation.  It would be better to make investments to improve this field, he added. 

Source: news.am

Nov 4, 2010

First Sukhoi Superjet 100 production aircraft flies for Armavia Airline

10719  

Today the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SN 95007) production aircraft intended for Armavia took to the skies. The aircraft was piloted by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft’s test pilots Alexander Ivanov and Alexander Kochetkov.

During the 3 hours flight, the pilot crew checked the overall engines, systems and equipment performance having confirmed the aircraft characteristics within operational range.

After a series of factory checks, the SSJ100 SN 95007 will fly to Moscow for operational route proving tests.
Ground handling at the airports will be performed in full compliance with the operational documentation. Route proving tests are aimed at confirmation of reliability of onboard systems in operational environment and feasibility of aircraft handling with standard airport on-ground devices.

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft: The Company’s shareholders are the Sukhoi Holding owing 75% - 1 share and the Italian Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company, holding 25% + 1 share since April 7, 2009.

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft was founded in 2000 to develop new regional aircraft projects. Headquartered in Moscow, the Company enjoys several production branches seated in the cities of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Novosibirsk and Voronezh. Today the company employs over 2,000 people.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 –a new family of regional jets– is the Company’s major project. The aircraft was rolled out on September 26, 2007 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. On May 19, 2008, the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 performed its maiden flight there. On October 24, 2008, after successful completion of factory flight tests, the aircraft emerged into certification flight campaign.


Source: avionews.com

Nov 3, 2010

Armavia expands the geography of flights and defines special through rates

  National air carrier of Armenia “Armavia” is expanding the  geography of its flights and defines special through rates, press-0secretary of “Armavia” Nana Avetisova informs.

“Armavia” together with the airline company “El AL” (Israel Airlines) provides opportunity to make flights to several countries of the world from Yerevan and back via international airport “Ben-Gurion” in Tel-Aviv by special through rates.

There are flights to the following destinations: Los Angeles, New-York, Toronto, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Beijing, Cairo, San Paulo and Johannesburg. Prices for the mentioned flights vary from 320 to 810 EURO excluding taxes.

“Armavia” together with “Uthair” provides opportunity of flights to some countries via international airport “Vnukovo” in Moscow and back by special through rates.

Flights will be implemented to Russian cities Krasnoyarsk, Barnaul, Volgograd, Irkutsk, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Nizhnevartovsk, Omsk, Surgut, Tomsk, Tyumen, Ufa, Perm, Astrakhan, Anapa, Belgorod, Yeysk, Magnitogorsk, Minvodi, Murmansk, Nizhnekamsk, Noyabrsk, Siktivkar, Ulyanovsk, Usinsk, Ukhta, Khanti-Mansiysk, Lugansk, Nikolayev, Lvov and Zaporozhye.

There will be flights Yerevan-Moscow (Vnukovo)-Vilnius and back, Yerevan-Moscow (Vnukovo)-Gyanja and back, Yerevan-Moscow (Vnukovo)-Baku and back, Yerevan-Moscow (Vnukovo)-Nakhijevan and back and Yerevan-Moscow (Vnukovo)-Lenkoran and back.

Prices for the above mentioned flights will vary from 320 to 596 EURO excluding taxes.

Today “Armavia” makes more than 100 flights by 35 directions to 20 countries of the world weekly. In 2009 “Armavia” transported more than 700 thousand passengers. Currently the air-park of the company consists of 9 planes (А320-3, А319-3, CRJ-200, YAK-42-VIP).

Source: arka.am

Oct 29, 2010

Armavia aircompany improves position in major Armenian taxpayers’ list

Armenian International Airports came 16th in the list of 1000 major Armenian taxpayers, having paid AMD 2,8 billion to state budget.
Based on the results of the third quarter of 2010, Armavia aircompany showed improvement, appearing in the 67th position against 128th in 2009.
Mika Corporation CJSC retained its position still occupying the 14th place in the list, with AMD 3 billion budget payment, State Revenue Committee reported.

Source: panarmenian.net

Oct 20, 2010

Armavia to start operating flights to two new destinations in Ukraine

Armavia, Armenian National Air Company, starts operating direct flights to Ukrainian cities of Dnepropetrovsk and Donetsk, Nana Avetisova, press secretary of the company, said on Wednesday.

“Flights to Dnepropetrovsk will be launched on October 31 and operated every Sunday, and to Donetsk on November 5 in Fridays,” she said.

Now Armavia operates flight to other Ukrainian cities – Kiev, Simferopol, Odessa, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk and Donetsk.

Armavia operates more than 100 flights a week to 25 destinations in 20 countries.

The air company transported 700,000 passengers in 2009.

The company has nine aircrafts.

Source: arka.am

Oct 5, 2010

Nagorno-Karabakh To Reopen Airport

STEPANAKERT -- Authorities in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh are pressing ahead with plans to reopen the disputed territory's sole civilian airport, which was shut down nearly two decades ago.

Flights to and from the airport, located 8 kilometers east of Stepanakert, had been discontinued in 1991 amid intensifying armed clashes in and around Karabakh, which degenerated into a full-scale Armenian-Azerbaijani war.

Transport and communication between the territory and the outside world have since been carried out only by land, through Armenia.

The Karabakh government decided last year to reopen the airport, which was severely damaged during the 1991-92 war, and raised about 1 billion drams ($2.8 million) for its reconstruction from unspecified "charitable sources." It began building a new airport terminal and repairing the runway shortly afterward.

Karabakh officials said earlier this year that a flight service between Stepanakert and Yerevan could be launched in mid-October.

Bako Sahakian, the president of the unrecognized republic, made clear that this would not happen before the end of this year when he inspected the facility, which is still under construction, on October 5.

According to Karabakh's urban development minister, Karen Shahramanian, work on the terminal building will be completed in November. He told RFE/RL's Armenian Service that air navigation equipment was now being installed at the airport.

It is expected that Karabakh, at least in the near future, will have a regular flight service only with Armenia. Its unresolved status makes direct air communication with other countries all but impossible.

It is not yet clear whether the Stepanakert-Yerevan flights will be carried out by Armenia's national airline Armavia. Officials have said only that a one-way air ticket to the Armenian capital will cost 16,000 drams ($45).

By comparison, the current fare for a minibus trip from Stepanakert to Yerevan, which takes between six and seven hours, is 5,000 drams per person.

A random street poll of Stepanakert residents conducted by RFE/RL suggested that many locals will be willing to pay a higher price for much shorter and more convenient travel.

"We won't be tired of long trips," said one man. "It should be interesting," noted another.

Source:  rferl.org

Oct 4, 2010

Armavia to increase number of flights to Moscow from October 10

Armavia air company increases the number of flights to Moscow, bringing them to 6 flights a day.
According to the company’s press service, Armavia will launch Yerevan-Moscow (Domodedovo)-Yerevan regular flights from October 10, 2010.
Thus, the air company will be implementing three flights per day to Domodedovo airport and three flights per day to Vnukovo airport from October 10.

Source: panarmenian.net 

Sep 30, 2010

Armavia launches Yerevan-Birmingham-Yerevan flight

Armavia national carrier presented its new Yerevan-Birmingham-Yerevan flight on September 28.
“This flight is meant to connect Europe with Asia and Middle East,” Armavia Director General Norayr Belluyan said.
“The flight will allow passengers from India to travel to Birmingham, where numerous Indian diaspora lives. Besides, it will help Armenia develop relations with one of UK industrial centers,” he added.
This year, Armavia launched flights to Delhi, Tel Aviv, Tehran and Barcelona. Yerevan-Beijing-Yerevan flight is expected in the near future.

Source: panarmenian.net

Sep 29, 2010

Mikhail Baghdasarov not going to sell Armavia shares

Mikhail Baghdasarov, the President of Armavia national carrier, is not going to sell the company shares, Armavia spokesperson Nana Avetisova said.
“Mikhail Baghdasarov has officially refuted media reports on sale of shares,” Avetisova told a panarmenian.net reporter.

Source: panarmenian.net

Armavia repays debts to Armenia International Airports

Debt of Armavia company to Armenia International Airports is constantly changing because of daily debt repayments, Sahak Hakobyan, head of the staff of General Department of Civil Aviation at the Armenian government said at a press conference.
Hakobyan noted that the aviation department is not authorized to interfere with relations of two companies. “We follow technical regulation and fights’ security, the rest lies in economic ties between the entities. Though, we have information on the developments,” he said.
Due to the mentioned debt, Armenia International Airports company suspended flights from Zvartnots Airport on September 16.The same day the flights resumed.

Source: news.am

Armavia’s debt is increasing

On September 29, on the eve of Civil Aviation Day, head of the General Department of the Civil Aviation Sahak Hakobyan and Adviser to the Director General Grigor Nazaryan briefed Armenian reporters on the achievements in the sphere.
Asked whether the owner of Armenian national air carrier - Armavia, Mikhail Baghdasarov, intends to sell his shares, Sahak Hakobyan said, "We have learnt about Mr. Baghdasarov's intention from the press. It is up to him to decide. The state cannot force an owner to sell or keep his shares. The Law on Aviation envisages that at least 51% of an aviation company belongs to legal entities registered in Armenia," he said.
Recently, Zvartnots airport suspended all flights of Armavia national carrier due to heavy debts.
"The Civil Aviation deals with aviation and security issues. We try to avoid similar problems, as they are unpleasant for us. The issue is beyond our competence and we are hopeful that the parties [Zvartnots and Armavia] will find a common language. State agencies are not empowered to interfere into a conflict between two entities" Hakobyan said.
The aviation representatives say Armavia's debt is changing every hour connected with everyday production process.

Source: a1plus.am

New terminal to open in Zvartnots Airport in 2011

The civil aviation in Armenia is dynamically developing, according to Sahak Hakobyan, head of the General Department of the Civil Aviation.
“Air transportation volumes increased 10% over the past 8 months. As of September 22, passenger flows increased 13.5% compared with the same period in 2009,” Hakobyan told reporters in Yerevan.
He also informed that a new terminal meeting all international standards will open in Zvartnots Airport in 2011.
Asked to comment on the Airport’s recent ban on Armavia national carrier’s flights, Hakobyan said state agencies are not empowered to interfere into a conflict between two entities.

Source: panarmenian.net

Birmingham airport launches Armavia Airlines flights to Armenia

Birmingham Airport has become only the second in the country to operate flights to the former Soviet republic of Armenia.
The new service was launched on Tuesday when an Airbus A319 of Armavia Airlines touched down at Birmingham from the Armenian capital Yerevan.
The airline will now operate flights to Yerevan and on to Delhi every Tuesday, departing Birmingham at 06.55.
It hopes to attract passengers wanting to reach both Armenia and India to visit friends and relatives. The Airbus will have eight business class seats and 126 economy seats.
Illarion Gharibyan, deputy director general, for the  airline said: “There are 20,000 people in the UK of Armenian descent and people can currently only access flights to Armenia from Heathrow so the Birmingham operation will provide more choice for those wanting to reach Yerevan.
“Birmingham is at a very important phase of its development and we are very excited to be joining the Birmingham team at this time.”
Paul Kehoe, the airport’s chief executive officer, said: “Not only will Armavia Airlines offer people a brand new service to Armenia, it will provide another welcome connection to India, which will be of particular interest to the 200,000 Indian people living in the Midlands.”
Round trip fares to Yerevan start from £325 excluding taxes and to Delhi from £205.

Source: birminghampost.net

Armenia’s passenger traffic 1.212m

Armenia’s passenger traffic has reached 1.212m people this year – a 13% increase as compared with the corresponding period last year, Sahak Hakobyan, Head of the staff, Civil Aviation Department, RA Government, told a news conference.
The crisis did not seriously affect the passenger traffic in Armenia. Other countries registered a 2.5% decrease. Hakobyan believes the Armenian air carriers registered an increase in the number of passengers due to their scheduled fights to ensure regular incomes. As regards cargo transportation, he pointed out that a three-fold increase has been registered since last year.
The RA Statistical Service reports Armenia’s air traffic totaled 8.4 thousand tons last year, with exports totaling 3.2 thousand tons, and imports 5.2 thousand tons. Last year, Armenia’s air passenger traffic reached 1.469m, with 702,000 passengers served by the Armenian airlines.

Source: news.am

Sep 27, 2010

Domodedovo airport highly appreciates cooperation with Armenian national air company

 Domodedovo, one of the biggest airports in Russia and Eastern Europe, describes cooperation with Armavia, Armenian national air company, as strategic, Yelena Galanova, press secretary of the Russian airport, said on Monday.

“Our partnership began in 2002,” she said. “Eight years is a quite long term to estimate our cooperation. Some 14 flights are operated from Moscow to Yerevan and back every week – two flights a day.”

Galanova said that 48% of Moscow-Yerevan flights are operated from Domodedovo Airport.

“Armavia Air Company’s passenger flow was 170,000 passengers in 2009, and 200,000 people have been transported since the beginning of this year,” she said adding that 100,700 people were transported over eight months of this year against the 95,300 passengers at the same period a year earlier.

Galanova said that Domodedovo has developed route network consisting of 234 destinations.
This is very important for Armavia and other air companies’ passengers, since they can fly to any country from Domodedovo Airport.

The Domodedovo is the leading passenger transporter among Russian airports. Its share in Moscow aviation hub’s passenger flow is 46%.

In 2009 Domodedovo handled 18.7 million passengers, and according to some forecasts, the figure may rise to 22.3 million this year.

In Jan-Aug 2010, the passenger flow reached 14.7 million exceeding the result of the same period of the previous year by 22.4%.

Some 75 air companies operate flights from Domodedovo.

Of them, 47 are foreign companies (12 from the Commonwealth of Independent States) and 28 are Russian.
Armavia Air Company was established in 1996.

In 2005, Mikhail Bagdasarovm the company president, became the owner of the full package of the company’s shares.
Armavia operates over 102 flights to 35 destinations in 20 countries every week.

The company flew 700,000 passengers in 2009.

It possesses nine aircrafts - А320-3, А319-3, CRJ-200, Yak-42-VIP).

Sep 21, 2010

Serzh Sargsyan awards two Armavia pilots on occasion of Armenia’s Independence Day

On the occasion of the 19th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree on awarding aircraft commander of Armavia national carrier Samvel Apikyan with a medal for the displayed professionalism in emergency situations and second pilot Araz Arazyan with Anania Shirakatsi medal.
The Armenian President also bestowed Anania Shirakatsi medal on a number of employees in the field of territorial administration.
Besides, he signed a decree on awarding scientific and educational workers with medals of the Republic of Armenia, the presidential press service reported.

Source: panarmenian.net

Sep 16, 2010

Yerevan Flights Delayed Over Airline Debts

Armenia’s national airline, Armavia, was forced to briefly delay three flights from Yerevan on Thursday because of its outstanding debts to the Zvartnots international airport.

Armavia planes bound for Russia and Israel were allowed to take off more than hour after their scheduled departure time as the company began urgent crisis talks with the airport administration.

“We had to take such a step because Armavia has accumulated big debts,” Zvartnots spokesman Gevorg Abrahamian told RFE/RL’s Armenian service. “Right now, the issue is being settled. All flights are being handled as normal. We hope to avoid such problems in the future.”

Abrahamian said later in the day that the two sides have worked out a timetable for the repayment of the debts incurred by Armavia. “This debt will be repaid very soon,” confirmed Nana Avetisova, an Armavia spokeswoman.

Both officials refused to disclose the sum owed by the private carrier to Zvartnots’s Argentinean operator, Corporacion America. Avetisova linked Armavia’s failure to pay for airport ground services on time with last year’s global recession which did not keep the company from purchasing new aircraft.

“This is normal for airlines around the world,” she told RFE/RL. “Yet in our country there is so much fuss that you feel like it’s the end of the world. We are a small airline located in a small country, and having such a debt is not something extraordinary.”

Owned by Russian-Armenian businessman Mikhail Bagdasarov, Armavia currently flies to about 30 destinations in Europe, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. It became Armenia’s leading carrier in 2004 following the bankruptcy of the state-run Armenian Airlines.

Source: azatutyun.am

Armavia’s flights suspended

The Yerevan International Airport Zvartnots has suspended flights of the national-carrier Armavia company due to increased debts, a spokesperson to the airport Gevork Abramian told media.
“Due to increased and long-dated debts of Armavia, its flights have been suspended. We’ve sent the notification to company’s management in advance,” said spokesman.
“Yes, the company like all other airlines of the world has debts,” told Interfax a spokeswoman to Armavia, Nana Avetisova, denying determining the sum of debts and any other details.

Source: aysor.am

Zvartnots suspends Armavia flights over debts

The flights of Armavia national carrier were suspended on September 16 morning over debts to Zvartnots airport, Armavia spokesperson Nana Avetisova told a panarmenian.net reporter.
Zvartnots PR officer Gevorg Abrahamyan said that the airport management had to suspend the flights due to heavy debts. However, to avoid a conflict and cause no harm to passengers it was decided to permit the flights later.
“Negotiations with the air company are under way and the debt should be paid off in the near future,” he said.

Source: panarmenian.net

Sep 15, 2010

Armavia suspends flights due to debts

September 16, the Armavia Aircompany suspended flights in several directions, including the capital of Russia-Moscow.  news.am received calls from the passengers of the delayed flights.
A source at the Zvartnots International Airport told news.am, the flights were suspended due to debts of the aircompany.
The Armavia head office was not available to comment.

Source: news.am

Sep 8, 2010

Armavia cuts number of regular flights from Yerevan to Rome, Berlin and Amsterdam

Armavia air company has cut the number of regular flights from Yerevan to Rome, Berlin and Amsterdam for the period of Summer 2010 schedule.
Yerevan-Rome-Yerevan flight will be conducted only on Sundays (previously - three flights a week) from September 26, while Yerevan-Berlin-Yerevan flight – on Fridays (previously – two flights a week) from September 17, the air company’s press service reported.
Besides, Yerevan-Amsterdam-Yerevan flight will be conducted on Sundays (previously – two flights a week) from September 19.

Source: panarmenian.net

Sep 2, 2010

Armavia Cancels a Summer Flight to Batumi and Two to Moscow

Armenia’s national carrier Armavia said it had cancelled a direct flight from Armenian capital Yerevan to Batumi, Georgia and two to Moscow, Russia.

The flights were introduced for summer season to handle the growing number of Armenians traveling to Batumi, a popular Black Sea tourist destination for thousands of Armenian holidaymakers and Russia’s capital. Armavia said these flights will not be resumed for winter months.

Armavia was established in 1996. In 2005 its all shares were purchased by Mika Ltd of Mikhail Baghdasarov. The company operates 102 flights a week to 35 destinations in 20 countries. In 2009 it flew 700,000 passengers.

The company’s fleet comprises 9 aircrafts- А320-3, А319-3, CRJ-200, ЯК-42-VIP.

Source: arka.am

Aug 17, 2010

Israel, Russia, Ukraine and Armenia to form airline alliance

El Al (Israel), UTair (Russia), Aerosvit Airlines (Ukraine) and Armavia (Armenia) have signed a declaration on formation of an airline alliance to be named Western-Eastern (WE).
The alliance was initiated by El Al, whose joining the existing alliances has always been prevented by different Arab airlines. Negotiations on expansion are under way with CIS and Western European countries.

Source: panarmenian.net

Aug 14, 2010

Armavia to launch Munich service in Nov 2010

As per 13AUG10 GDS timetable display, Armavia from 02NOV10 is introducing 2 weekly Yerevan – Munich service, operated by Airbus A319. Schedule below:

U8109 EVN0950 – 1055MUC 319 25
U8110 MUC1240 – 1930EVN 319 25

Source: http://airlineroute.net/2010/08/13/u8-evnmuc-w10/#more-23731

Aug 9, 2010

Armavia not to fine passengers for returning tickets



To date all the Armavia Yerevan-Moscow flights have been operated despite smoke from wildfires hanging over the Russian capital, Armavia Company Director General Norayr Beluyan told news.am.
“Our planes have not made any emergency landing in other Russian cities,” he stressed. As to Yerevan-Moscow flight delays, they are reasoned by queues for landing in the Moscow airports, he stressed.
Under the mentioned circumstances, the Armavia air company decided not to fine the passenger for returning  tickets or changing the date, he added.

Source: news.am

Jul 5, 2010

Ashot Galoyan: Armavia’s new flight to facilitate Armenian-Polish relations

Armenian Ambassador to Poland Ashot Galoyan said that the new Yerevan-Warsaw-Yerevan flight launched by Armavia Air Company on July 3 will significantly facilitate relations between the two countries. “The visit of Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski to Armenia is scheduled for July 13, Galoyan told journalists at the international airport of Warsaw. “Besides, the first sitting of the Armenian-Polish intergovernmental commission will open in Yerevan on the same day,” he added.
"We have completed the essential procedure, including signature of an economic agreement between Armenia and Poland. There are legislative, political, historical and cultural prerequisites for the development of our relations," Galoyan stressed, adding that the new flight will help boost bilateral relations in all fields, including tourism.

Source: panarmenian.net

Jun 30, 2010

Sheremetyevo solves transportation problem

Sheremetyevo airport seems to have solved the problem of transportation collapse, caused by road works begun on Leningradskoye highway. A free shuttle transfer has been organized for the passengers, departing from the 1 (B) and C Terminals and arriving to Terminal B. They are transported there from the E terminal, which is situated next to the Aeroexpress station.

Aeroexpress is for a moment the only one responsible way to get to the airport without coming too late. It arrives to the station, which is situated next to Terminal E, but rather distant from other terminals. The transfer is organized for the passengers of such air carriers as Avia Nova, Belavia, Aersvit, Dniproavia, Nordwind Airlines, Armavia, some international charter flights, flying from the Terminals 1 (B) and C.

To get to the transfer shuttles, the passenger should walk through the Terminal E buiding following the orange signs “Shuttles to Terminals B and C”. However, the transfer back is availiable from the Terminal B only.

Source: russia-ic.com

Jun 21, 2010

Armavia launches direct flight from Yerevan to Barcelona

Armenia’s national air carrier ArmAvia launched a new direct flight from Armenian capital Yerevan to Barcelona, Spain.

During the presentation ceremony Armavia CEO Norayr Belluyan said the direct flight will allow tourists from both countries to visit each other’s country to enjoy the sites of Yerevan and Barcelona.

The flight is operated once a week every Sunday. Spanish consul in Armenia, Mher Badalian, welcomed first Armenian passenger arriving in Barcelona. He said the new flight is very important for Spain’s 45,000 strong Armenian community as well as for businessmen.

Source: arka.am

Armavia launches direct flight to Barcelona

On June 20, Barcelona International Airport hosted official launching of Yerevan-Barcelona-Yerevan direct flight of Armavia national carrier.
Armenia's Consul to Spain Mher Badalyan said that previously people had to take charter flights to get to Barcelona from Yerevan via other European cities, but from now on Armavia offers new opportunities. "It will definitely contribute to the development of economic ties between Armenia and Spain," he said.
For his part, Armavia CEO Norayr Belluyan added that the company is consistently implementing its plans and Yerevan-Barcelona-Yerevan flight is among three flights to be launched by Armavia this year.
Commenting on the company's plans, Belluyan said that Yerevan-Warsaw, Yerevan-New York flights will be launched soon. "They will help creation of a transport route between Europe and Asia via Yerevan," he said.

Source: panarmenian.net

Jun 2, 2010

Linking Arkhangelsk with Caucasus

Armenian airlines will start flights between Yerevan and Arkhangelsk.
The Armavia flight will be the second international flight to Arkhangelsk starting this year. From the beginning of May, airBaltic starts to operate the route Riga-Arkhangelsk twice a week.
Armavia hopes the flight will attract Arkhangelsk residents traveling on vacation Central Asia and the Middle East. The Armavia delegation that visited Arkhangelsk last week met with several of the local and regional tour operators, according to a press-release posted on the airliners website.
Armavia has flights to 30 destinations in 13 countries. The flight to Arkhangelsk will be operated by a Airbus A319 or A320.

Source: barentsobserver.com

May 31, 2010

The company “Armavia” opened its new flight Yerevan-Archangelsk-Yerevan


YEREVAN, May 31. /ARKA/. Official opening ceremony of new flight of “Armavia” Yerevan-Archangelsk-Yerevan took place on Sunday in the International Airport of Archangelsk, Nana Avetisova, press-secretary of “Armavia” informs.

“Arrival of Armenian delegation to Archangelsk is not only opening of new flight but new air bridge between Armenia and Russia”, said Oleg Yesayan, Armenian Ambassador in Russia.

Opening of new flight will strengthen economic and cultural relations between two countries. Dmitriy Medvedev, President of Russia and Serzh Sargsyan, President of Armenia pay special attention to regional development and cooperation.

Yesayan said that Armenia is of special interest for Archangelsk region also in tourism sphere as Armenia is a country of tourism which attracts attention of thousands of tourists.

Mikhail Baghdasarov, Director of “Armavia” said that Yerevan becomes a transit country connecting South to East and East to West.

“For the beginning there will be one flight in two weeks and in future – two times in a week. We need time for the establishment of relations and development of marketing policy”, he said.

Geographical position of Yerevan allows to transport the passengers from Archangelsk to Yerevan and from Yerevan – to Dubay, Deli, Antalia, Tunis, Sharm el-Sheikh and other southern countries where they can have a rest.

Transit flight of Air Company is through Tbilisi to Russia. Recently opened flight to Deli will become transit to West.
Ernest Belokorovin, Minister of Industry, Transport and Communications of Archangelsk region said that the new airline can join Armenia with UAE in future.

After the ceremony, official meeting of Archangelsk region Governor Ilya Mikhalchuk and Oleg Yesayan, Armenian Ambassador in Russia took place where high officials of both countries were present.
Source: arka.am

Arkhangelsk grabs airspace

Today Armenian airlines announced a new air route that will connect Armenia and Arkhangelsk. To start with, there will be one flight per two weeks, though in future the route will reach two flights per week, said Mikhail Baghdasarov, Director of Armavia in the company’s press release.
May 25, a Russian low cost carrier Avianova opened flights Arkhangelsk – Moscow (Sheremetyevo). Earlier, the company serviced Arkhangelsk to St.Petersburg only. New flights of Avianova, Arkhangelsk-Moscow, will be carried out twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
July 3, Arkhangelsk will get a direct air connection with Europe by Airbaltic; flights Arkhangelsk – Riga will be scheduled twice a week (Tuesday, Sunday).
In the 90s, Arkhangelsk had already attempted to establish regular air connection with Europe: the city opened regular air routes for direct travel to Rovaniemi and Stockholm, yet they turned economically inefficient and were closed.
The most viable European route has been regularly connecting Arkhangelsk with Tromso via Murmansk since early 90s.
Charter flights operate till Rovaniemi and Levi.
In summer vacation period, Arkhangelsk opens more charter connection with Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Spain.


Source: barentsnova.com  

May 20, 2010

Airline company “Armavia’ presented a gift to its 200th passenger

Yesterday national airline company “Armavia” presented a valuable gift to its 200th passenger since 2010.

“A gift from the airline company TV-set LCD received Sofia Elchey, representative of one of international organizations who arrived to Yerevan from Tbilisi for participation in the seminar of statistics.

She thanked the airline company “Armavia” for warm attitude and attention saying that it is the first time she had success.
“It is very pleasant to have such a surprise being in a business trip. After Yerevan we depart to Kiev and other NIS countries. We have a large Armenian community in Budapest. I know Armenians and respect them”, she said.

Acting Commercial Director of the company Anna Atoyan emphasized the importance of such an action which became a tradition for the company.

Atoyan said that from July regular flights will be implemented to Barcelona, Warsaw and Tehran.

Airline Company “Armavia” was established in 1996. From July 2005 the full package of shares went to Mikhail Baghdasarov, president of the company “Mika Limited”. In 2009 more than 700 thousand passengers were transported by “Armavia”. Currently “Armavia” consists of 9 planes (А320-3, А319-3, CRJ-200, YAK-42-VIP).

Source: arka.am

May 17, 2010

Armenian Airline Delays Direct Flights To U.S.

Armavia's new 
Airbus A320
Armavia's new Airbus A320

YEREVAN -- Armenia's national airline has postponed a long-awaited launch of direct flights to the United States, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.

The private airline Armavia and the Armenian government are blaming each other for the delay.

The flights were initially to have begun late last year, and the start was then postponed to this spring.

A direct flight service between the countries was made possible by a U.S.-Armenian "open skies" agreement that was signed in November 2008 and went into effect in June 2009.

The Armenian government's Civil Aviation Department said in June 2009 that Armavia would soon apply to the U.S. Transportation Department for a license to fly to New York and Los Angeles. The head of the department, Artyom Movsisian, was confident the company would gain approval by the end of 2009 after a visit to Yerevan by U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors.

But the inspection has still not taken place. Neither the Civil Aviation Department nor Armavia gave a clear explanation when contacted by RFE/RL.

"The state's involvement in this matter has come to an end," said Nelly Charchinian, a spokeswoman for the civil aviation authority. "It is Armavia's responsibility to deal with the remaining issues."

Armavia spokeswoman Nana Avetisova said the airline needs the FAA assessment before it can begin flights.

"In essence, Armavia is ready to start flights to Los Angeles and New York," she said. "However, the issue is related to [Armenia's] Civil Aviation Department and the [Yerevan] airport because the U.S. side was supposed to give clearance to the flights only after its inspections aimed at ascertaining whether the airport is prepared for the service."

Avetisova also confirmed that Armavia has yet to acquire long-haul passenger jets used in trans-Atlantic flights. "Our management keeps saying that we will definitely acquire a plane for trans-Atlantic flights this year," she said. "But that probably depends on the [U.S.] flight permissions."

The Armavia fleet currently consists of eight mostly Western-made aircraft flying to some 30 destinations in Europe, the former Soviet Union, and the Middle East. One of them, an Airbus A320 jet, was purchased and went into service last week.

Armavia Director-General Norayr Belluyan told journalists on May 7 that the company plans to acquire two more airplanes by the end of this year.

The planned trans-Atlantic flights will allow thousands of Armenians traveling to and from the United States each year to avoid lengthy layovers at European airports.

There are an estimated 1.5 million ethnic Armenians living in the United States.

Source: rferl.org

May 15, 2010

Launch Of Armenia-U.S. Flights Delayed

Armenia’s national airline has postponed the long-awaited launch of direct flights to the United States, expected late last year, for reasons that are not yet clear. The Armavia private carrier and the Armenian government blame one another for the delay.

A direct flight service between the two countries was made possible by a U.S.-Armenian “open skies” agreement that was signed in November 2008 and went into effect last June. The agreement is equally applicable to Armenian and U.S. airlines.

The Armenian government’s Civil Aviation Department said in June that Armavia will soon apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a license to fly to New York and Los Angeles. The head of the department, Artyom Movsisian, was confident that the company will get the green light by the end of 2009, after a planned visit to Yerevan by a team of inspectors from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).


They were due to look into Armenian aviation facilities, safety rules and practices, and assess their conformity with international standards. The inspection has still not taken place, however. Neither the Civil Aviation Department, nor Armavia gave a clear explanation for that when contacted by RFE/RL’s Armenian service this week.

“The state’s involvement in this matter has come to an end,” said Nelly Charchinian, a spokeswoman for the civil aviation authority. “The state has nothing to do anymore.”

“It is Armavia’s responsibility to deal with the remaining issues,” she added. “It has to file an application to U.S. aviation authorities and then organize flights.”

But Armavia spokeswoman Nana Avetisova countered that the airline can not do that before an FAA assessment. “We planned to start flights in the spring of 2010,” she said. “In essence, Armavia is ready to start flights to Los Angeles and New York. However, the issue is related to the Civil Aviation Department and the [Yerevan] airport because the U.S. side was supposed to give clearance to the flights only after its inspections aimed at ascertaining whether the airport is prepared for the service.”

Avetisova also confirmed that Armavia has yet to acquire long-haul passenger jets used in Transatlantic flights. “Our management keeps saying that we will definitely acquire a plane for Transatlantic flights this year,” she said. “But that probably depends on the [U.S.] flight permissions.”

The Armavia fleet currently consists of eight mostly Western-made aircraft flying to some 30 destinations in Europe, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. One of them, an Airbus A320 jet, was purchased and went into service last week.

“We plan to acquire two more airplanes by the end of this year,” the airline’s director general, Norayr Belluyan, told journalists on May 7. He did not specify their type.

The planned Transatlantic flights will allow thousands of Armenians traveling to and from the United States each year to avoid lengthy layovers at European airports. They account for a large part of passengers taking daily flights between Yerevan and major European cities.

Source: armeniadiaspora.com

May 12, 2010

Eyjafjallajokull volcano still going strong, ash plume lessens slightly

The ash plume of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano increased slightly Tuesday afternoon, with a darker and slightly higher plume, but there were no other major changes in its eruptive activity, the daily report from the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Iceland said.
The eruption plume rose to between 17,000 to 20,000 feet high, heading south south east, and was grey in color. Tephra (larger bits of rock and ash thrown from the volcano) was clearly seen on the monitoring video cameras placed nearby. Nine lightning strikes were recorded on the scientific equipment.
There was a slight increase in the lower frequency bands of the seismic tremors. Sixteen earthquakes were recorded, mostly between 11 and 12 miles deep, but none had a magnitude greater than two.
Eyjafjallajökull's ash cloud was pushed by winds south down Europe and then to North Africa on Tuesday, shutting down airports in Spain, Turkey and Morocco, 2,350 miles away. The ash cloud over the mid North Atlantic began to disperse, allowing the Eurocontrol air traffic control agency to end the rerouting of flights between North America and Europe.
The areas of high ash concentration at high altitude which dispersed during the night, Eurocontrol reported.
Ash at lower altitudes was still causing troubles for some trans-Atlantic flights as well as Madeira and the Azores. Areas of high ash concentration at lower altitudes, which could possibly close some airports, exist in the Mediterranean between the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands, and were moving north east.

Source: usatoday.com

May 8, 2010

Mikhail Bagdasarov: Armavia’s losses incomparable to those of major European companies

Armavia’s losses, caused by volcanic eruption in Iceland are incomparable to those of major European companies, Armavia CEO Mikhail Bagdasarov stated.
As he told a news conference on May 7, the company had to cancel 5 flights. “We don’t have the exact figure yet. At the moment, losses are being assessed.”
The 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajokull were a sequence of major volcanic events at Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland which disrupted air travel across western and northern Europe over an initial period of 6days in April 2010. Further more localized disruption continued into May 2010.

Source: panarmenian.net

May 7, 2010

We incurred minor losses due to Icelandic volcano: Mikhail Bagdasarov

New flights by Armavia Air Company to be carried out in 2010 and construction of the second terminal to be put into operation next year will considerably increase the passenger traffic, head of Mika Limited Company and Armavia Air Company owner Mikhail Bagdasarov told journalists today.
He noted that turn of year was unsuccessful for the company, expressing hope that they will manage to come up with good indicators by the year end.
Asked by news.am  correspondent about losses the company incurred as a result of Icelandic volcano eruption, Bagdasarov replied that compared with European air companies, Armavia’s losses are minor. “We have cancelled 5 flights to Paris, Amsterdam and Zurich, but are lucky not to have such losses as European companies did,” he said.
May 7, a new А-320 aircraft purchased by Armavia Air Company arrived in Zvartnots International Airport. Boeing was previously operated by China and Singapore. “We plan to have 15-unit aircraft park by 2010 end,” company’s Director General Norayr Beloyan stated, adding that Armavia will get two more Sukhoi Superjet aircrafts by the end of the year. According to him, air company transported over 170 000 passengers starting Jan. 2010, increasing last year’s indicator by 4.5%.

Source: news.am

May 6, 2010

Yerevan-London flights conducted as scheduled

To date Yerevan-London-Yerevan flights are conducted according to timetable, as ash cloud covered only a part of Scotland and Northern Ireland, representative of British Midland International Yerevan office Erik Gyulazyan told news.am.
He assured there is no ground for concern, as Heathrow airport experiences no landing difficulties. Asked whether, British Midland International incurred losses as a result of canceled flights due to Icelandic volcano eruption, Gyulazyan replied that no precise data is available, as the calculations are underway.
Armavia Air Company press secretary Nana Avetisova informed news.am that company has not made such calculations yet.
Eyjafjallajokull volcano, 150 km from Reykjavik, started erupting on March 20, 2010.
April 14 eruption closed major part of Europe’s airspace that also affected Armenia.

Source: news.am

May 5, 2010

Greek strikes not to affect Yerevan-Athens flight

Greek strikes will not affect Armavia flights, Air Company’s press secretary Nana Avetisova told news.am, adding that Yerevan-Athens-Yerevan flight are conducted as scheduled – twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. She also noted that the May 7 flight to Athens will be made as well.
Strike in Greece on Wednesday paralyzed airports, trains and ferries traffic, as well as public services. Schools, museums, and the Acropolis will also be closed. Strike is organized in the protest against spending cuts which EU links with providing of financial assistance to the country. Greece has already reviewed tax legislation (increased VAT) to get the EU loan and announced the cut of wages and pensions, as well as wage freeze of public servants.

Source: news.am

Apr 22, 2010

Yerevan-Tbilisi flights resumed

“Armavia” air company will resume Yerevan-Tbilisi-Yerevan flights starting April 23, company’s press secretary informed news.am. Flights to be carried out twice a day.
Armenia-Georgia air communication was temporarily suspended since February 1, 2010. According to Georgian United Transport Administration, the suspension is only seasonal. The flights were cancelled due semi-full flights.

Source: news.am

Apr 20, 2010

Eight air routes from Armenia to Europe open

Since the airports of Zurich and Amsterdam resumed operation, the Armavia airline resumed Yerevan-Zurich-Yerevan, Yerevan-Amsterdam-Yerevan flights starting April 20, 2010, Armavia Press Secretary Nana Avetisova informed news.am.
She reported that Yerevan-Odessa-Yerevan (April 24), Yerevan-Kharkov-Yerevan and Yerevan-Kiev-Yerevan flights will be also conducted according to timetable.
On April 15 Armavia stopped serving nine European air routes, except for Russia, due to the eruption of volcano in Iceland. To date eight of the nine routes are open, except for the Yerevan-Berlin route.

Source: news.am

Armavia to organize charter flights to Europe

Armenia’s national airline carrier, Armavia, said today it may operate charter flights from Yerevan to Paris, Zurich and Amsterdam if flights to Europe will be allowed before its next scheduled flights to these destinations, Nana Avetisova, a spokeswoman for Armenia, told Armenia Novosti news agency.



Armavia had to cancel flights to Europe on April 16 after aviation authorities in EU closed their airspace for air traffic as the volcanic ash from Iceland crippled air travels across Europe.

Nana Avetisova said Armavia offers its passengers to re-book their tickets for the next nearest flights to these destinations. She said passengers may also return their tickets.

She said the flight to Odessa in Ukraine, scheduled for April 24 will be operated. Flights to Kiev and Kharkov in Ukraine will be operated in accordance with the schedule, she said.

Source: arka.am

Berlin-Yerevan on 20.04.2010 is canceled

Flughafen Tegel: Der Flug U8 116 nach Yerevan am 20.04.2010 wurde annulliert. 
Airport Tegel: The flight  U8 116 to Yerevan on 20.04.2010 is canceled.

Source: flyamo.de

Apr 19, 2010

Global Fallout: Iceland volcano 3,000 miles away affecting Armenia

Global Fallout: Iceland volcano 3,000 miles away affecting 
Armenia
Photolure
Armenia is among countries whose airline traffic has been affected by an Iceland volcano eruption that shut down travel for several days across Europe.

British Midland International (BMI) cancelled Yerevan-London-Yerevan flights and Armavia shut down Yerevan-Paris-Yerevan, Yerevan-Zurich-Yerevan, Yerevan-Amsterdam-Yerevan, Yerevan-Odessa-Yerevan flights. On Monday, April 19, the flights to Prague, Vienna, Athens and Perm were also canceled.

Due to European delays in air traffic, even an international conference scheduled on Tuesday by the Civilitas foundation is also postponed, because the main participant of the even has not managed to fly to Yerevan.

Levon Vardanyan, Head of Haypethydromet, told ArmeniaNow that they yet could not provide any information whether the volcanic ash will reach Armenia.

“We have not had such an experience before, that is why we do not have an opportunity to examine this case now. This is the first time that the volcanic ash is spread so widely, and we do not know what will happen tomorrow,” Vardanyan says.

Source: armenianow.com

Apr 18, 2010

The DO's and DON'Ts of Visiting Armenia

As tourist season slowly approaches, several local business owners and others who have come across tourists, have put together a list of DOs and DON'Ts for future reference.

DO tip generously, restaurant staff depend on it.
DO ask other tourists and repats about their favorite restaurants.
DO buy fruits, veggies, cheese and bread and have a picnic.
DON'T forget your trash when you leave.
DO chat with locals (especially kids) in villages.
DON'T pass out gum like its gold. Better yet, don't even bring gum. Armenia has plenty of chewing gum from five different countries.
DO pay the Yerevan taxi drivers 1000 wherever you go in the center of town, even if its close by. After all, youve taken them out of their line, and the absolute minimum for any distance is 600 Drams, anyway.
DON'T talk rudely to the owners of the vegetable stalls; this is their life, these are their fruits and they're proud of what they do.
DON'T try to get a tour driver's phone number so that you can hire them directly.
DO venture out of the city center. Komitas, Monument, Zeitun are all interesting neigh-borhoods with good restaurants.
DON'Tdrink too much mulberry vodka (tutti oghi) trust us on this one!
DO sit in cafes near midnight. The city almost never sleeps.
DO enjoy a cognac after dinner.
DON'T enjoy more than 3.
DO get involved and volunteer for projects while youre here and especially when you return home Rome wasnt built in a day.
DO be on your best behavior you never know who is sitting next to you at a concert or cafe you may find out youre related.
DO make a list of all the places you missed seeing. And
DO come back soon.

Source: armeniadiaspora.com

Apr 16, 2010

Yerevan-London flight suspended

Yerevan-London flight was suspended due to volcano eruption in the south of Iceland, news.am was informed in Zvartnots airport. The flights are not canceled but indefinitely delayed.
Volcanic ash cloud forced UK to close airspace in the territory of the country until Friday morning, BBC reports. Flights were also canceled in northern Sweden, Finland and Norway.
The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano started on Wednesday, April 14. Earlier, about 800 people were evacuated from disaster area.

Source: news.am

Volcanic eruption affected Armenia-Europe flights

Armavia air company suspended Yerevan-Paris flight till April 17, 9:00 a.m. due to ash cloud caused by eruption of volcano in Iceland, company’s press service informed news.am. Earlier, it was reported that British Midland Airways cancelled Yerevan-London flight.
Disaster caused aviation collapse in many European countries. Thus, yesterday airspaces of Belgium, UK, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland and Sweden were closed.
The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano covered UK and a number of states in the Continent, as well as Scandinavia, Finland and northern-western regions of Russia.
Meanwhile, the experts forecast that disaster might upset operation of air transport for weeks and even months.
About 6000 flights were cancelled in Europe within last 24 hours. Largest European airports are closed for an indefinite period. Passengers, who bought tickets on their own might return them and get a refund with no fine in case of cancelled flight.
Cancellation and suspension of flights in European airports, as well as closed airspaces might cost companies $1bn.

Source: news.am

Yerevan-Paris flight delayed due to volcanic ash

Yerevan-Paris flight delayed due to volcanic ash
PanARMENIAN.Net - Armavia national carrier has delayed Yerevan-Paris flight.
“The flight was delayed due to the ash cloud formed from an Icelandic volcano that filled the skies over northern Europe,” Zvartnots Airports press service told PanARMENIAN.Net
Air France office in Yerevan said that all flights to Paris were delayed till 2 pm (6 pm Yerevan time).
Authorities in Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Belgium also closed their air space. France shut down 24 airports, including the main hub of Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Germany's Berlin and Hamburg were shut Thursday evening, and several flights out of the U.S. had to double back.

Source: panarmenian.net

Apr 15, 2010

Armavia launches direct communication with India

On April 13, Armavia national carrier launched the long-expected direct flight to Delhi, the capital of India.
“This flight will enable to expand trade and economic relations between the two countries and will contribute to their deepening,” Managing Director of the Minar Travels Indian travel agent, Armavia’s general representative in India, Mr. Duggal told reporters at Delhi International Airport.
Armavia’s Regional Managing Director on Middle East, Mr. Kolia Khatchatourian, for his part, added that India is interested in developing relations with Armenia. “The Indian side proposes operating the flight twice instead of once a week, given big prospects for bilateral collaboration,” he said.
On the eve of the new flight’s official launching, Armavia organized a meeting at Yerevan Mkhitar Heratsi Medical University during which Indian students were briefed on the company and its plans, in particular, the new Yerevan-Delhi-Yerevan route. Five most active students in the meeting were invited to take part in the pioneer flight.

Source: panarmenian.net

Apr 6, 2010

Armavia launches flights to Rimini

Starting May 22, 2010, Armavia airway company starts operating regular flights to Rimini.
Yerevan-Rimini –Yerevan flights will be carried out on Saturdays.
Armavia airway company is Armenia’s national air carrier, which fully complies with the international requirements of IATA. Currently, Armavia conducts over 340 flights per month to 35 destinations in 20 countries.
Rimini is a city and comune in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and capital city of the Province of Rimini. It is located on the Adriatic Sea, near the coast between the rivers Marecchia (the ancient Ariminus) and Ausa (Aprusa). Coast navigation and fishing are traditional industries and, together with Riccione, it is probably the most famous seaside resort on the Adriatic Riviera.

Source: panarmenian.net

Mar 29, 2010

Armavia launches flights to Israel

Extending the geography of its flights, Armavia Air Company presented Yerevan-Tel-Aviv-Yerevan flight on March 28.

According to Mikhail Baghdassarov, the company President, the regular flight will allow promoting contacts between the two countries and will rather ease Armenian citizens’ trips to Israel. At the same time, Mikhail Baghdassarov expressed hope that Armenia’s cultural and historical spots will be of keen interest for Israelis.

Edgar Karapetyan, the company’s Commercial Director, noted that the flights will be conducted twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, by A320 and A319 aircrafts. The tickets will cost 350 euros in both directions. The flight will last up to 2 hours, which will significantly save passengers’ time, as previously they had to fly from Tbilisi.

Armavia’s first plane left Yerevan for Tel-Aviv with more than 60 passengers on board, the Company’s press office reported.

Armavia Company is Armenia’s national air carrier, which fully complies with the international requirements of IATA. Currently, Armavia conducts over 340 flights per month to 35 destinations in 20 countries

Source: panarmenian.net

Israeli citizens to fly directly to Armenia


Yesterday “Armavia” air-company presented direct Yerevan-Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight, operating starting March 28, that according to company’s president Mikhail Baghdasarov will enable active communication between the countries and facilitate traveling to Israel. He expressed hope that the mutually advantageous initiative will assist frequent visits to cultural-historic sights in both Armenia and Israel.
Commercial Director Edgar Karapetyan informed that the flights will be carried out twice a week – Thursdays and Sundays by А-320 and А-319 airbuses. Round trip airfare is around €350 with 2-hour time en route, that dramatically reduces the duration of previous ones for Armenians taking Tbilisi flights.

Source: news.am

Mar 21, 2010

iPhone: Armavia Tickets on www.armavia.mobi

Dear customers,

you can book your flights on iPhone.
The interface of IBE is in German:

IBE iPhone - Internet Booking Engine iPhone version
iPhone books online - einfach online buchen





Mar 7, 2010

Mount Ararat Webcam


Ararat rises from a flat plain and dominates the skyline of Armenia's capital, Yerevan. Since ancient times, Ararat has been revered by the Armenians as their spiritual home. Today, it is the national symbol of Armenia. The mountain is often depicted by Armenian artists on paintings, obsidian engravings, backgammon boards and other artifacts. From Yerevan, and throughout much of the country, citizens and tourists get a clear glimpse of both peaks, Mount Ararat and Little Ararat. For more information, have a look at Mt. Ararat page on Wikipedia.

Source: wikipedia.org , arminco.com

Link to Mount Ararat Webcam

Feb 26, 2010

Fourth Superjet 100 Flies on Borrowed Powerjet Engines


Single News Page
The fourth Superjet 100 flew for the first time on February 4.
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC) managed to fly the fourth prototype of the Superjet 100 this month, no thanks to Russian engine maker NPO Saturn, which partners with Snecma in building the Superjet’s Powerjet engines. Clearly feeling desperate after the Saturn-Snecma partnership failed to deliver the program’s seventh and eighth Powerjet SaM146 turbofans  in due course, Sukhoi removed the engines from the first prototype and installed them on the fourth, simply to get the airplane airborne, in time perhaps to gain Russian certification by July. Meanwhile, a lack of ready production airplanes likely means launch customers Aeroflot and Armavia won’t receive their first examples until late this year.

Plagued last year by near financial collapse, an exodus of more than 200 engineers, quality-control inadequacies and a change in ownership structure, Saturn not only failed in its commitment to Sukhoi, it also might have validated skepticism over the wisdom of Snecma’s partnership with the Russian company. Snecma, which is controlled by France’s Safran Group, agreed to build the high-pressure side of the engine and ceded responsibility to Saturn for the low-pressure side and final assembly in Russia. But rather than result in an equal partnership, the deal has seen Safran send a team of engineers to Saturn’s assembly facility in Rybinsk to help Saturn work through its quality “issues.” The partnership has also reallocated production of certain low-pressure components–most notably fan blades–to French suppliers.

Alas, Powerjet—one of the earliest examples of aerospace collaboration between Western Europe and the former Soviet Bloc—might well serve as a cautionary tale for other companies. Happily for Safran, Sukhoi and the marketing joint venture between Italy’s Alenia and SCAC known as Superjet International, the Russian government has intervened with monetary support for Saturn–but not in time to save the program from another year-long delay and perhaps a loss of credibility that will require more than money to recover. 

Source: ainonline.com

Feb 17, 2010

Armavia launches Israel service

Armavia from 28MAR10 launches 2 weekly Yerevan – Tel Aviv service with CRJ200. Schedule as follows:

U8277 EVN2030 – 2115TLV CRJ 57
U8278 TLV2215 – 0250+1EVN CRJ 57

Source: airlineroute.net

Feb 6, 2010

« ArtsakhAvia » va mettre en place des vols réguliers Stepanakert-Erévan-Stepanakert


Mikhaïl Baghdassarov le propriétaire d’Armavia a informé lors d’une conférence de presse que sa compagnie va mettre en place des vols réguliers sur les lignes intérieures ainsi que soutenir une compagnie du Haut Karabagh à l’installation et l’exploitation de la ligne Stepanakert-Erévan-Stepanakert.
« Malheureusement, aujourd’hui il existe en Arménie à peine deux aéroports aux normes internationales, ceux de « Zvartnots » à Erévan et « Chirag » à Gumri. Pour ce qui est des aéroports de Goris et Ghapan, très vite nous allons acquérir des avions ATF 42-500 de 48 places qui pourront assurer les vols intérieurs, si l’aviation civile arménienne donne son autorisation pour ces types d’appareils » dit M. Baghdassarov. « Après la rénovation de l’aéroport de Stepanakert, la compagnie « ArtsakhAvia » mettra en place des vols réguliers Stepanakert-Erévan-Stepanakert qui bénéficieront du soutien d’« Armavia ».
Krikor Amirzayan

Source: armenews.com

Feb 3, 2010

Armavia gets IOSA certificate

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armavia national carrier got its IOSA certificate (IATA Operational Safety Audit) on February 3, 2010. 
 
The IOSA registration revalidation was granted to Armavia after the conclusion of the auditing process by independents and accredited technicians by IATA (International Air Transport Association. The IATA audit certified that the company had satisfied standards for safety and operational quality.

The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program is an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. IOSA's quality audit principles are designed to conduct audits in a standardized manner.’

With the implementation and international acceptance of IOSA, airlines and regulators achieve the following benefits: A reduction of costs and audit resource requirements for airlines and regulators; Continuous updating of standards to reflect regulatory revisions and the evolution of best practices within the industry; A quality audit program under the continuing stewardship of IATA; Accredited audit organizations with formally trained and qualified auditors; Accredited training organizations with structured auditor training courses; A structured audit methodology, including standardized checklists; Elimination of audit redundancy through mutual acceptance of audit reports; Development of auditor training courses for the airline industry.

Source: panarmenian.net

No changes in Armavia's tariff policy

Armavia will make alterations in company’s tariff policy, Armavia President Mikhail Bagdasarov told the journalists on February 3, underlining that special discounts for tickets are already available.
“The price cut for Yerevan-Moscow flights for males will be introduced, thereafter action will extend to females and discounts will be available for everyone,” he said, adding that high airfares are conditioned by heavy airport tariffs and administrative expenses, as well as high credit tariffs. “High prices are conditioned by relations with leasing companies as they have high loan rates. Presently we are negotiating with creditors, as rates were set two years ago under economic upturn and prices for aircrafts were high. Presently, under the global crisis the situation changed dramatically,” Bagdasarov stated, noting that if creditors cut rates it will affect the airfare. Armavia president outlined that this year company’s profit fell compared to February, 2009.

Source: news.am

Yerevan-Tbilisi flights suspended due to unprofitability

Yerevan-Tbilisi flights were cancelled due to unprofitability, Armavia president Mikhail Bagdasarov said on February 3, adding that within 10 months of 2009 the losses reached $3 million. He also informed that the company requested assistance of Tbilisi airport to cut taxes. “For each passenger we pay €21 plus other expenses, but they refused to do so. Therefore, we decided to suspend the flight,” Bagdasarov stated underlining that Georgian colleagues eventually lowered the tariffs and most possibly Yerevan-Tbilisi flight will be carried out starting February 10.
This year Armavia will operate new flights to Cyprus, Tel-Aviv, Delhi, Barcelona, and increase number of flights to Italy up to 4-5 times a week.
Company’s president also emphasized: “A new Boeing 767 will be purchased by the company shortly enabling long distance flights to the U.S., China, Thailand and Japan.”
Today, Armavia was awarded with IOSA (Operational Safety Audit) certificate by IATA for security. Bagdasarov noted that his company gets the certificate for the second time.

Source: news.am

Feb 1, 2010

Armavia: Tbilisi airport does not make concessions

Air communication between Tbilisi and Yerevan is suspended from February 1 this year, Georgia Online reported.
As the United Transport Administration informed, suspension of air communication carries seasonal nature and is justified by the low passenger flow. As the "Armavia" spokesman Nana Avetisova told PanARMENIAN.Net, flights to Tbilisi are suspended for two main reasons: the flights’ seasonal nature and fees the airport of Tbilisi offers. 

"To date, fees set by Tbilisi airport are not payback. The management of the airline suggested to revise them, but Tbilisi does not make concessions, " she said.  

She recalled that Armavia has stopped flights in this direction since January 15, 2010.  Flights from Tbilisi to Moscow were carried out by Armenian Armavia, the first flight was operated on March 14, 2009. 

Armavia is the national air carrier of Armenia. Established in 1996, Armavia operates about 250 flights a month to over 30 destinations in the CIS countries, Europe and the Middle East. In 2008 Armavia transported more than 647 thousand passengers. Air fleet of the company consists of A-319 (3), A-320 (2), Boeing 737-300, CRJ-200, Tu-134 aircrafts. In 2010 Armavia will receive a new Superjet 100. 

Source: panarmenian.net

Jan 27, 2010

Russia to certify Superjet 100 airliner in July

Russia's Sukhoi Civil Aircraft company will receive the necessary certification for its new Superjet 100 regional airliner this July, the Russian industry minister said on Wednesday.
The certification procedures have delayed the delivery of the first aircraft to Armenia's national airline Armavia and Russia's flagship air carrier Aeroflot, which was due to begin in December 2009.
In late 2009, Sukhoi was running tests in line with European, U.S. and Russian standards, which would allow the Superjet 100 to operate without restrictions anywhere in the world.
"The certificate is scheduled to be received in July 2010. A total of 3.2 billion rubles [$105.5 million] has been invested in the charter capital of the Sukhoi company as part of state support to complete certification and start serial production," Trade and Industry Minister Viktor Khristenko said.
The Superjet 100 project is a family of medium-haul passenger aircraft developed by Sukhoi in cooperation with U.S. and European aviation corporations, including Boeing, Snecma, Thales, Messier Dowty, Liebherr Aerospace and Honeywell.
Sukhoi, part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), plans to manufacture at least 700 Superjet 100s, and intends to sell 35% of them to North America, 25% to Europe, 10% to Latin America, and 7% to Russia and China.
Currently, the company has at least 122 firm orders for Superjet 100 airliners.
MOSCOW, January 27 (RIA Novosti)

Source: rian.ru

Jan 14, 2010

Armenian Armavia announses air fare discounts



YEREVAN, January 12. /ARKA/. Armavia has offered  discounts for passengers of Yerevan-Moscow-Yerevan flights, the press office of this Armenian air company reported on Monday.
Besides, the company offers holiday discounts.
Male passengers can enjoy a 15-percent discount from January 28 till February 23 for all the direct flights of the company. Females can buy their air tickets at a 20-percent discount from March 8 till April 7.

Armavia was established in 1996. In 2005, Mikhail Bagdasarov, president of Mika Limited, acquired the full package of the company’s shares. Armavia has three A 319, two A 320 and also CRJ-200 airbuses. The company operates 250 flights every month.

Source: arka.am

Jan 13, 2010

Yerevan-Tbilisi flights cancelled

Yerevan-Tbilisi flights are cancelled starting January 15, 2010, Armavia AirCompany Press Secretary Nana Avetisova informed News.am.  According to her, the flights were cancelled due to absence of demand. “The number of people willing to fly to Tbilisi dramatically reduced this winter,” Avetisova said not ruling out the resumption of flights in spring.
Avetisova denied the information that the reduction of passengers is conditioned by the high airfares, adding that fares are affordable, meanwhile finding difficulty in specifying them.

Source: news.am

Jan 9, 2010

Armavia resumes flights to Larnaca

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armavia Airway Company resumes flights to Cyprus.

Starting February 23, 2010, flights to Larnaca will be available via Yerevan-Beirut-Larnaca route, company's press service reported.

Armavia Airway Company LLC is the national air carrier of the Republic of Armenia. The company was founded in 1996. Currently the company is operating about 250 flights to over 30 countries of the world.

Larnaca is a city of the Republic of Cyprus situated on the southern coast of Cyprus. It has a population of 72,000 (2001) and is the island's second largest commercial port and an important tourist resort. The island's largest airport, Larnaca International Airport is located on the outskirts of the city.

Larnaca was founded by Phoenicians and was known as Kition, or (in Latin) Citium. The biblical name Kittim, though derived from Citium, was in fact used quite generally for Cyprus as a whole, and occasionally by the Jews for the Greeks and Romans.
Larnaca is colloquially known as "Skala" meaning "ladder" or "landing stage", referring to the town's status in history as an important port.

Source: panarmenian.net

Jan 4, 2010

E-ticketing

The paper ticket is now a thing of the past.
United Airlines was the first airline to issue electronic tickets, back in 1994. A decade later however, only 20% of all airline tickets were electronic. The industry was missing out on an opportunity to save US$ 3 billion a year. Aside from the substantial cost savings, electronic tickets are also more convenient for passengers – they would no longer have to worry about losing tickets and changes to itineraries could be made more easily.
In June 2004, IATA set an industry target of 100% ET in four years. At the time, many believed this was an unrealistic goal. Evolving standards, uncertainty about the return on investment and skepticism about the customer acceptance of paper in parts of the world were some of the reasons why e-ticketing hadn’t taken off.
It took only four years to reach 100% ET. On 1 June 2008, the industry moved to 100% electronic ticketing. Together, IATA and airlines, travel agents, airports, system providers, and GDSs have moved an entire industry from the paper age into the full electronic era. Armed with a mandate from the IATA Board, StB was able to mobilise the industry. Through local engagement, the ET team was able to understand and meet the varying needs of airlines – from those who needed little help to those who hadn’t issued a single electronic ticket. And by engaging and understanding the needs of partners – from GDS’s to ground handlers – StB facilitated the adoption of ET across the industry.


Source:  http://www.iata.org/stb/e-ticketing/

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