Nov 24, 2011

Аrmavia presented airliner Boeing 737-500

Armenia's national air carrier, Armavia, presented today its airliner Boeing 737-500.
"It is a very nice, comfortable aircraft with 110 seats. We have bought two aircrafts for Armavia, the second will be delivered soon,’ Armavia owner Mikhail Bagdasarov told reporters.
He said the aircraft was bought from Czech Airlines. The second Boeing will be delivered to Armenia on December 15.
According to Bagdasarov, Boeing 737-500 is designed for medium-haul flights - up to 4 thousand miles in all directions, including Dubai, Moscow, Italian Milan, Venice and Rome. 
However, he did not say how much the company paid for it.
"We have handed back leased expensive aircrafts, replacing them with cheaper ones," Bagdasarov said.
Armavia National Air Company was established in 1996. The company meets IATA international requirements. Armavia operates over 100 flights a day to more than 40 destinations in 20 countries. Its fleet of aircrafts comprises А320-3, А319-3, CRJ-200, Yak-42-VIP, Il-86, Sukhoi Superjet and Boeing.

Source: arka.am

Armavia renewed with new aircraft

Armavia Air Company fleet was was renewed with a new Boeing 737-500 aircraft. The latter arrived in Yerevan on November 23.
According to Armavia President Mikhail Baghdasarov, the aircraft, purchased from Czech Airlines, has a cabin of 108 seats.
“The aircraft will launch a flight after it is painted to match company's brand," Baghdasarov said.
The Armavia company was established in 1996, but commercial flights to Russia and Turkey only started in 2001. In 2003 Air Company obtained license for international air transportation previously belonging to Air Company “Armenian Airlines”. In 2005 Armavia became current member of International Air Transport Association. In 2006 it became user of “Flight Operations Monitoring” program - System of the flight data decryption and analyzing BC A320/319.

Source: panarmenian.net

Nov 22, 2011

Armenia’s Armavia to buy three more Sukhoi Superjet in 2012

CEO of Armenia’s national air carrier, Armavia, Mikhail Baghdasarov, told Prime News that his company plans to conclude a firm contract for the delivery of three Sukhoi Superjet 100 in 2012.
Speaking at a news conference today Baghdasarov said the second Sukhoi Superjet will be delivered before the end of this year, following which the contract will be signed for delivery of three more planes. Armavia was the first company to start commercial operation of new short-haul airliner.
Bagdasarov said the operation of the plane has revealed some problems that need to be eliminated.
Armavia National Air Company was established in 1996. The company meets IATA international requirements. Armavia operates over 100 flights a day to more than 40 destinations in 20 countries. It possesses 11 aircrafts - А320-3, А319-3, CRJ-200, Yak-42-VIP and Il-86 and Superjet -100.

Source: arka.am

Nov 16, 2011

Armavia Airlines: new flights from Malpensa, Rome and Venice towards Armenia

As from the end of next March, the new direct services operated by Armavia Airlines from Milan-Malpensa to Armenia (Yerevan) every Thursday, will start. The carrier will operate direct flights from Venice every Sunday and from Rome every Tuesday.

The duration of connections, made ​​with A-319 aircraft, is approximately 4 hours. The airline operates also domestic flights between Yerevan and Tbilisi, Georgia. The fleet now consists of 4 A-319, three A-320 and a CRJ-200. The airline was also the first to use the Sukhoi Superjet 100, a new generation aircraft with 75/100 seats developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC), in collaboration with Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company.

Armavia has ordered three A-320 and three Sukhoi and two CRJ.

Source: avionews.com

Nov 8, 2011

Armenia International Airports Deputy Director rejects tariff rise

Zvartnots International Airport did not raise fares for airlines, Deputy Director of Armenia International Airports said on Nov 7.
Dwelling on agreements reached by Armavia Airlines, Andranik Shkhyan noted that flight schedule will remain unchanged until the middle of the week, adding that tensions between the parties are common in commercial relations.
Armavia Air Company was urged to delay 3 flights due to the policy pursued by Zvartnots Airport leadership. As Armavia spokesperson Nana Avetisova told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, Zvartnots has raised winter tariff rates for the company. “We are currently reviewing tariff policy for the company,” she said.
Airport spokesman Gevorg Abrahamyan, in turn, rejected any kind of price upsurges. According to him, the flights were delayed due to company’s debts to the airport which twice surpasses the norm set. Mr. Abrahamyan also noted that in case of Armavia’s debt default current situation may remain unchanged.

Source: panarmenian.net

Nov 7, 2011

Armavia Airlines to be sold to President Sargsyan’s son-in-law?

Dwelling on information regarding part of Armavia’s summer staff being dismissed and company being sold to President Serzh Sargsyan’s son-in-law Mikael Minasyan at a convenient price, Armavia Airlines spokesperson Nana Sargsyan said the information is not true to fact.
On November 3 Armavia flights were delayed due to company’s debts to Zvartnots Airport which twice surpasses the norm set. Despite Armavia’s statement on Zvartnots having raised winter tariff rates for the company Deputy Director of Armenia International Airports rejected tariff rise for airlines.
Flight schedule will remain unchanged until the middle of the week.
According to Nana Sargsyan, negotiations on tariff policy with Airport Directorate are in progress.

Source: panarmenian.net

Nov 3, 2011

Yerevan-Moscow flight delayed due to misunderstanding between airport and air company

A Yerevan-Moscow flight was delayed in Zvartnots Armenian International Airport. The reason is that the Armavia air company has not reached understanding with Armenia International Airports company, spokesperson for Armavia Nana Avetisova told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
“The airport increased service prices for winter season. The negotiations are underway. According to Armavia’s leadership, the airport is already built and prices can be reviewed,” she said.
Meanwhile, passengers of Yerevan-Moscow flight are waiting for check in which will not start until the sides reach agreement. Besides, the passengers of other Yerevan-Moscow flights are likely to be faced with the same difficulties.

Source: news.am

Oct 21, 2011

Armavia to expand geography of flights

Armavia air company jointly with Transaero airlines, will coordinate of point-to-point flights though Russia’s Domodedovo international airport, thus expanding their geography.
From now on, Armavia customers will have a chance to visit a range of cities including South Sakhalinsk, Anadir, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Magadan, Yakutsk, Omsk, Astana, Almaty, Tashkent, Riga as well as London, New York, Beijing, Miami and many others.

Source: panarmenian.net

Sep 16, 2011

Zvartnots hi-tech airport terminal opens in Yerevan

In the framework of events dated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, new terminal of Zvartnots airport was put into operation.
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, ambassadors accredited to Armenia, as well as Armenian-born Argentine businessman Eduardo Eurnekian attended the opening ceremony on September 16.
At 34 thousand sqm, the hi-tech terminal, complete with VIP halls, 46 check-in counters, an extensive parking lot, will enable servicing of up to 3,5 mln passengers annually.
The construction of Zvartnots terminal, specifically designed for high earthquake stability, took USD160 mln in investments.

Source: panarmenian.net

Aug 26, 2011

Armenian national carrier has “too Russian” directors – WikiLeaks

Completely reversing its previous investment policy, Armenia’s main flag carrier, Armavia Airlines, is halting its plans to expand towards Europe. The company plans to move to European standards and is replacing its modern aircraft with older Soviet models in an effort to reduce costs, reads the cable released by WikiLeaks. Armenian News-NEWS.am posts the cable.
“The move is a breach of Armavia’s agreement with the Government of Armenia and is a vote of no confidence in the commercial viability of a modern airline servicing European routes from Yerevan.
Bob Chaplin, a British consultant who has been managing Armavia, told us that Armavia’s directors have decided that the investments necessary to expand Armavia’s service to European cities were not justified. Specifically, he said that they were unwilling to accept losses in the initial years of investment and preferred to pocket the earnings from cheap but profitable point-to-point flights in the CIS.  According to Chaplin, for the moment Armavia will continue to operate its current European flights to Frankfurt and Amsterdam in order to avoid forfeiting its exclusive licenses to the routes, for which the company paid USD 14.5 million.  Chaplin noted that these routes will remain profitable through summer, but after that he expects that Armavia will probably try to sell the licenses or liquidate during next winter.
The sudden reorganization of Armavia’s assets signals a clear exit strategy from the European routes. Armavia will transfer three of its five Airbus 320s to Siberian Airlines in Russia and replace them with old Soviet planes that are not allowed to land in European Airports. (Note:  Siberian Air owns a controlling share of Armavia Airlines)  The airline has also halted negotiations with Lufthansa on interline connections through Frankfurt and have withdrawn their bid for International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification.
“The directors are too Russian,” Chaplin told us when asked why Armavia had failed in its plan to become a western airline.  The expense of meeting European standards had proven to be far more than the directors anticipated or were willing to bear.  He higlighted as examples the fact that the directors refused to fly scheduled flights when they were not full, refused to contract an attorney to negotiate interline agreements, and refused to open their aircraft and their books to inspection by third parties.
Armavia’s withdrawal from its strategy puts it in breach of several investment conditions of its contract with the GOAM:  it is not yet clear how the government will react, however.  In case of a material breach the government has the right to cancel Armavia’s licenses and resell them to another airline.  According to Viktor Mnatsakanian, the legal advisor to Minister of Justice David Harutunyan, the Minister is aware of Armavia’s move but the government has not yet taken any decision on how to respond.
If the GOAM were to revoke Armavia’s licenses it could exacerbate the situation considerably:  Armavia’s USD 14 million loss would likely send danger signs to potential investors.  The reversal of Armavia’s strategy is a serious blow to Armenia’s civil aviation industry, suggesting that Armenia cannot support an airline that meets modern Western standards and depriving a land-locked country of vital transportation links.”

Source: news.am

Aug 19, 2011

MAKS: Armavia doubles Superjet presence at show

Armavia's first Sukhoi Superjet, the initial production aircraft, demonstrated its capabilities at the MAKS show four months after the type entered airline service with the Armenian carrier.
It spent an hour in the skies over Moscow, showing off its performance to media representatives.
The PowerJet SaM146-equipped aircraft, named after cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, started operating for Armavia on 21 April and by 7 August it had clocked up 617 flight hours across 250 operations.
Sukhoi said the aircraft (EK-95015) had flown on a network from the Armenian capital, Yerevan, covering 20 airports in Russia and Ukraine, as well as Europe and the Middle East.
Daily utilisation had reached, in some cases, up to 16.5h, the airframer said, which displayed the Armavia twinjet at MAKS along with one of its prototype Superjets.
"The aircraft fully confirmed its operability on regional as well as short- and medium-haul sectors," it added.

Aeroflot is the only other user of the type so far, and had logged 227h in 139 operations by 7 August, having put the twinjet into service on 16 June.
It has deployed Superjet on routes from Moscow Sheremetyevo to St Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Ufa and Ekaterinburg.
While Aeroflot's initial experience has not been entirely smooth, Sukhoi said: "Entering commercial operation is one of the most critical and difficult stages of a programme to create a new airliner.
"At the initial stage, without exception, all new aircraft are faced with unforeseen technical problems that may emerge only during intensive use.
"In the first year - especially in the first months - aircraft-on-ground situations occur much more frequently than in subsequent operations."
Sukhoi added that the key issue is not the problems but the speed at which they are resolved.
No such problems emerged during the Armavia demonstration flight, during which participants were able to make a rare in-flight visit to the cockpit.
Sky Aviation of Indonesia has signed for 12 of the twinjets at the show, and sources familiar with the situation say Russian energy giant Gazpromavia also intends to take 10.

Source: flightglobal.com

Armavia Armenian Airlines dumps Gérard Depardieu for taking the piss on rival carrier

French big nose and Cyrano de Bergerac actor Gérard Depardieu has had a TV advertising contract pulled following an incident aboard an Irish incontinental - er...intercontinental! - airline.

The 62 year-old was enroute to Dublin from Paris before bladder tragedy struck prompting him to find relief on a City Airtours carpet.

Someone in Cattle Class caught the incident on video and leaked it to his Armenian sponsors.

The triple-A carrier whose onboard facilities are whimsically named 'standard' (ie business class) and 'poor' (economy) awarded Depardieu a multi-million dollar contract last year to promote their Sukhoi Superjet on Euronews TV channel ads.

The fly-by-wire plane has done away with onboard loos and replaced much reviled WC cubicles with an innovative - and sturdy/waterproof! - 'sick bag' equivalent.

At the press of a button this slides into position on passenger seats so that immediate relief is at hand without any cumbersome trip down the plane aisle.

Another button then automatically seals the piss bag and sends it to storage in a custom-built underfloor dumpster.

A spokesperson for the Armenian airline said today there was widespread feeling that Depardieu 'had been taking the piss' with his extra-curricular contract violation.

A copy of the Irish plane video can be seen on the YouBoob! Channel No 5

Source: thespoof.com

Aug 17, 2011

SaM146 Enters Service

"We plan quite a huge ramp-up in production of the SaM146 engine for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional airliner," says Marc Sorel, Country Delegate in Russia for Safran, which makes the engine in a joint venture with NPO Saturn.
Plans call for 24 engines to be in service by the end of 2011, "and next year will be another huge ramp-up," he said.
Today, four engines are in scheduled operation on the two Superjets delivered, one each to the Armenian airline Armavia and Russia’s Aeroflot. The third Superjet is expected to be delivered during MAKS 2011.
Sorel said the engine is working well. Armavia has logged 700 hours and carried 11,000 passengers since putting the aircraft into service in April, and it is currently flying six one-hour flights a day. Aeroflot took delivery in June and plans six flights a day, but has suffered two groundings of the aircraft, though not for engine problems, Sorel said.
Armavia grounded its aircraft to change an engine, a process that stretched out to nearly a week due to customs issues, he said. "There are just two aircraft, so this is a very cautious entry into service. We don’t want to take any risks."
"The engine is proving very robust," Sorel noted, and survived an in-flight birdstrike unscathed. "Fuel consumption is exactly what we expected, and the airlines are satisfied." Cabin noise is also very low, he added.
John Morris

Source: ato.ru

Aug 1, 2011

Armavia receives third CRJ200

Armavia (Armenia) will receive its third CRJ200 plane today, News  
Armenia cites the press secretary of the company, Nana Avetisova, as saying.
The plane was named after Armenian composer Arno Babajanyan.

The CRJ200 is a medium-haul passenger plane developed by Bombardier
Aircraft (part of the Bombardier Aerospace Corporation). It is an
improved model of the Canadair Regional Jet CRj-100. It operates in
mountainous and hot climates.

Source: vestnikkavkaza.net

Jul 28, 2011

“Armavia” renews daily flights to Tbilisi

Airline “Armavia” informs about the renewal of daily flights to Tbilisi from August 5, 2011.

“The flights U8 021/022 and U8 023/024 will be made by the frequency of 2 times daily”, said press-secretary of “Armavia” Nana Avetisova. 

From August 6, 2011 the airline “Armavia” starts regular flights U8 929/939 Yerevan-Bryansk-Yerevan. The flights will be on Saturdays.

Source: arka.am

Jul 25, 2011

First Yerevan-Madrid flight scheduled for Aug 4

Spanish Ministry of Economy hosted an official signing ceremony for Armenia-Spain air transport agreement, with Khoren Terterian, Armenia's charge d'affaires in Spain on one side and Manuel Ameijeiras, General Director of Civil Aviation of Spain on the other.
Upon signing of the agreement the parties exchanged views on cooperation perspectives. The document signed will allow to coordinate air communication between the two countries capital cities, thus increasing effectiveness of cooperation in economic, political and tourism sectors.
The first Yerevan-Madrid flight is scheduled for August 4, with Armavia Armenia's national air carrier as flight operator, Armenian Foreign Ministry press service reported.

Source: panarmenian.net

Armenia’s national carrier not facing bankruptcy

Armenia’s national carrier Armavia is not facing bankruptcy, said company’s owner Mikhail Bagdasarov.
He said that the company’s financial position is stable. Armavia has adopted a new strategy – to purchase expensive planes at the expense of increasing credits, he told journalists on Wednesday.
“Presently world demand for aircrafts is inferior to the offer, therefore prices for air carriers have decreased. Armavia prefers to purchase planes at the expense of new loans instead of renting them,” he added. Bagdasarov stressed that Armavia’s loans exceed $40 million.
He also noted that some airports, in particular Domodedovo and Vnukovo reduced prices for their services.
“As regards Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport, the situation has not changed. It is the third most expensive airport,” said Bagdasarov. 

Source: news.am

Yerevan – Van flight to be launched

There have been discussions between the Armenian and Turkish businessmen about the opening of Yerevan – Van direct flights, Arsen Ghazaryan the head of industrial and business representatives said today. “I think the flight is so short that planes of middle size will be used for that purpose, and the existing runway will be enough,” A. Ghazaryan said.

The chairman of the Association of the Turkish tour agencies, member of the Van trade-industrial board chamber Abdulla Tunjdemiri said that he is one of the co-authors of the idea of opening the Yerevan – Van flight. “We are planning to make the airport suitable for the international flights,” A. Tunjdemiri said.

“Armavia” and “AtlastJet” Turkish Air Company realizes 2 flights a week from Istanbul and Trabzon to Yerevan.

Source: aysor.am

Yerevan, Madrid establish air communication: First flight scheduled for August 4

An agreement on air communication between the Republic of Armenia and the Kingdom of Spain was signed at the Spanish Ministry of Economic Development.

From the Spanish side the agreement was signed by Manuel Ameijeiras, Director General of Spanish Civil Aviation. From the Armenian side the document was signed by Charge d’Affaires Khoren Terteryan.

Following the signing ceremony Manuel Ameijeiras and Khoren Terteryan exchanged views on the perspectives of development of bilateral cooperation.

The agreement provides an opportunity to establish direct air communication between the capitals of the two countries, which will simplify the cooperation in political, economic, cultural fields and tourism.

The first Yerevan-Madrid-Yerevan flight is scheduled for August 4. It will be carried out by Armenia’s Armavia Company. 

Source: armradio.am

Jul 10, 2011

Second Sukhoy Superjet 100 Will Arrive In August Or September

The second Sukhoy Superjet 100 passenger aircraft will arrive in Armenia in August or September, Armavia national carrier president, Mikhail Bagdasarov, told journalists today.

The first Sukhoy Superjet 100 arrived on April 19, 2011. The cost of the aircraft is $24 million

Short-haul passenger aircraft Sukhoy Superjet 100 is designed to carry up to 98 passengers at a distance of 4,400 km.

Armavia has attracted about $40 million in loans for the purchase of aircrafts, Bagdasarov said.

"We are moving gradually away from the principle of leasing aircrafts, because it is more expedient now to acquire them," said Bagdasarov, explaining that renting and leasing prices are quite high, and the large supply of aircrafts at the market has led to significant declines in their prices.

He also declined media speculations that the carrier is threatened by bankruptcy.

Armavia was established in 1996. It meets the international requirements of IATA. Armavia operates more than 100 flights a week to over 40 destinations in 20 countries.

Armavia Air Company opens new routes

Armenian national carrier Armavia Air Company opens new routes to and from Madrid, Lyon, Marseille, and Barcelona, the owner of the company, businessman Mikhail Bagdasarov told at a press conference.
Armavia opens new routes very carefully, taking into account that Armenian passengers’ financial potential is not high. Regarding the ticket discounts, the businessman told that it is not expected at least in the summer.
“Ticket prices do not go down in summer it usually happens in winter,” the owner noted.
At the same time, he promised to consider on possible discount of tickets for journalists in holiday season.

Source: news.am

Jul 6, 2011

Armavia Air Company opens new routes

Armenian national carrier Armavia Air Company opens new routes to and from Madrid, Lyon, Marseille, and Barcelona, the owner of the company, businessman Mikhail Bagdasarov told at a press conference.
Armavia opens new routes very carefully, taking into account that Armenian passengers’ financial potential is not high. Regarding the ticket discounts, the businessman told that it is not expected at least in the summer.
“Ticket prices do not go down in summer it usually happens in winter,” the owner noted.
At the same time, he promised to consider on possible discount of tickets for journalists in holiday season.

Jun 23, 2011

Gerard Depardieu features Armenian “Armavia” Air Company’s commercial

Famous French actor and filmmaker Gerard Depardieu starred in Armenian “Armavia” Air Company’s Sukhoi Superjet 100 commercial.
The famous actor followed the flight of the new Russian aircraft and was very impressed, ITAR TASS reports referring to United Aircraft Corporation CJSC. At the moment he is starring in the “Armavia” commercial at Paris Air Show.
The first Sukhoi Superjet 100 was handed over to the Armenian “Armavia” Air Company on April 19, 2011.
The aircraft costs $24 million. Sukhoi Superjet 100 was designed for 1.5-2-hour flights. It will carry out flights to Moscow, Sochi and cities of Ukraine from Armenian capital city.

Source: news.am

Jun 8, 2011

SuperJet International to Exhibit at Paris Air Show 2011, Booth A296, Jun 20 - 26, 2011

Press Kit Materials are Available at: http://www.tradeshownews.com/events/Paris-Air-Show-2011/Superjet/
Company:   SuperJet International
Booth/Stand: A296
Event: Paris Air Show 2011
Jun 20 - 26, 2011
Paris, FR
Web:
Facebook:
Twitter:
YouTube:
LinkedIn:
About SuperJet International
SuperJet International (SJI) is a joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company, (51%) and Sukhoi Holding (49%). The company is in charge of marketing, sales, customization and delivery of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet in Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa and Japan. SJI is also responsible for training and worldwide after-sales support, as well as the design and development of VIP, business and cargo variants. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 currently represents the largest industrial programme between the Russian Federation and the rest of the world in the commercial aircraft sector. The SSJ100 is a state-of-the-art 100 seat new generation regional jet. The aircraft entered into revenue services with Armavia airline on April 21, 2011.

Source: sys-con.com

May 24, 2011

Armavia’s flights not affected by volcano eruption

Ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano has not affected flights of Armavia air company. Not a single flight was delayed or canceled, Nana Avetisova, spokesperson for the company, told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
“Flights to Europe and Russia are operated according to the schedule,” said representative of Armenian national carrier.
Iceland’s Grimsvotn volcano started erupting on May 21. UK officials said ash cloud drifting from volcano will affect flights out of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, Boston Globe reported.

Source: news.am

May 19, 2011

Armavia carries out Yerevan-Berlin flight via Yerevan-Munich-Berlin

Citizens of Armenia complain that Armavia is carrying out a direct flight to Berlin from Yerevan by Yerevan-Munich-Berlin route, without informing passengers. It creates problems from passengers as they have to spend 125 minutes more aboard.
In a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am, Spokesperson for Armavia Aircompany Nana Avetisova said that flights U8 115/116 Yerevan-Berlin-Yerevan and Yerevan-Munich-Yerevan were combined only on May 3, 10 and 17.
“Staff members of the commercial department had informed the passengers of changes. However sometimes it is impossible to contact with passengers as they write their phone numbers incorrectly in the questionnaire or do not fill in the blank,” Avetisova said. 

Source: news.am

Yerevan Airport Reconstruction Nearing Completion

An Argentine company managing Armenia’s main international airport pledged on Wednesday to essentially complete its multimillion-dollar reconstruction and more than double the airport capacity this year.

The Corporacion America group of Eduardo Eurnekian, an Argentine billionaire of Armenian descent, took over the Zvartnots airport near Yerevan in 2002 after signing a 30-year management contract with the Armenian government.

The agreement committed it to building a new airport terminal and modernizing other airport facilities left over from the Soviet era. The terminal’s arrivals section went into service in 2006, while work on the larger departures section is still going on.

Andranik Shikhkian, Zvartnots’s deputy managing director, told journalists that the construction will be complete by the end of this year. He said Eurnekian’s group, which operates over 30 airports across South America, has invested $160 million in the 34,000 square-meter facility.

According to Shikhkian, this will allow Zvartnots to handle up to 3 million passengers a year, up from 1.1 million passengers who used it last year. “Compared with Azerbaijan and Georgia, we will have a twice bigger capacity, both in terms of passenger traffic and use of modern technology,” he said.

Shikhkian added that the new terminal will also significantly speed up passenger check-in at Zvartnots. “In place of 24 check-in desks existing now we will have 46 ones,” he said. “Check-in lines have long been the main source of complaints by passengers.”

The official also expressed hope that the upgraded airport will attract more transit flights from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. “The airport can simultaneously accept up to 10 flights per hour,” he said. “Right now, we have up to five flights every hour.”

It remains to be seen whether the expensive reconstruction will have any impact on the cost of the airport’s ground services for airlines and the national Armavia carrier in particular. Armavia has long accused the Zvartnots management of setting exorbitant tariffs that are higher than even in western Europe.

As recently last March, Zvartnots delayed several Armavia flights over the private airline’s alleged failure to pay its outstanding debts. The two sides traded recriminations before settling the dispute.

“Our airport is much cheaper than the airports in, say, Vienna or London,” insisted Shikhkian. He stressed that the airport fees have not changed since 2002.

The Zvartnots complex is also expected to become soon home to Armenia’s first-ever tax-free zone that will mainly cater for domestically grown agricultural produce to be exported abroad. It will reportedly have warehouses equipped with refrigerators, packaging facilities and a food safety laboratory.

The creation of the tax haven is envisaged by Eurnekian’s 2001 agreement with the Armenian government. The Argentine tycoon, who has a warm rapport with Armenia’s current and former presidents, owns hundreds of hectares of vineyards and orchards in the Ararat Valley adjacent to the airport. 
Source: azatutyun.am

May 12, 2011

Armavia to assist launch of flight to Stepanakert, but won't fly there

Owner of Armavia air company Mikhail Baghdasarov said the company contributes in every possible way to the launch of Yerevan-Stepanakert flight, but is not going to operate flights itself.
Both the company and NKR authorities consider that Artsakh should have its own air company to operate Stepanakert-Yerevan flights, Baghdasarov said, answering a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter’s question whether Armavia will establish its flight to the NKR capital.
He noted that the opening of Stepanakert airport is postponed, as it is necessary to expand the runway that will make the airport more respectable, allowing it to receive also big aircrafts.

Source: panarmenian.net

May 7, 2011

Armavia plane performing Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight lands in Yerevan

Armavia air company plane performing Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight has landed in Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport.
According to Armavia spokesperson Nana Avetisova, the plane landed in Yerevan at 7:27 p.m. local time.
Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport grounded all departing flights on May 5, stranding thousands of passengers, after jet fuel at the airport was found to be tainted. 41 passengers of Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight had been accommodated in hotels.

Source: panarmenian.net

Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight still delayed-Armavia

Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight of Armavia Air Company is still delayed, Spokeswoman for Armavia air company Nana Avetisova told Armenian News-NEWS.am. According to her, the aircraft has not yet departed from Israel.
“The flight has been delayed since yesterday due to problems with the fuel. Armavia had to put off the flight, as the aircraft was fueled at Tel Aviv airport with fuel containing oil. The planes of other air companies also face the same problem,” she noted, adding the airport in Tel Aviv has not yet commented on the matter.
All 41 passengers of Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight were accommodated in hotels in Tel-Aviv.

Source: news.am

Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight to land in Yerevan in 2.5 hours

Spokesperson for Armavia national carrier Nana Avetisova said that the company’s Tel-Aviv-Yerevan flight has already departed from Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport.
“It will land in Yerevan in 2.5 hours,” Avetisova told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport grounded all departing flights on May 5, stranding thousands of passengers, after jet fuel at the airport was found to be tainted. 41 passengers of Tel Aviv-Yerevan flight have been accommodated in hotels.

Source: panarmenian.net

Armavia continues to replenish its air depot

On May 6, Armavia air company’s depot was replenished by a CRJ200 LR plane purchased from Lufthansa CityLINE.
As the company press service reported, the plane was named after a famous Armenian painter Martiros Saryan.
Flights to CIS and European states will be performed on a newly purchased plane.
According to Armavia President Mikahil Baghdasarov, the second Sukhoi Superjet is expected to arrive in late June.

Source: panarmenian.net

May 5, 2011

“Armaviа” increases the frequency of flights Yerevan-Moscow to five daily

National air carrier - airline “Armavia” increases the frequency of regular flights from Yerevan to Moscow from four to five daily, reported press-secretary of the company Nana Avetisova.

“From May 12, regular flights U8 520/519 Yerevan-Moscow (Vnukovo) are restored”, she said.

Currently, the planes of the company make two flights from Yerevan to Moscow airport “Domodedovo” daily and one – to "Vnukovo” and “Sheremetevo”.

National airline of Armenia “Armavia” was established in 1996 and complies with international standards of IATA. Today, “Armavia” makes over 100 flights weekly in more than 40 directions to 20 countries of the world.

President of “Armavia” Mikhail Baghdasarov plans to develop new investment projects, introduce information technologies, issues of systemic approach in the provision of safety and aviation security. Among the priorities are the improvement of quality of rendered services, service on board and provision of comfortable flight.

Source: arka.am

May 2, 2011

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 airplane landed in Venice for the first time

The Sukhoi Superjet 100, flight U8-123, landed in Venice, at "Marco Polo" airport, at 1:18 pm of yesterday, from Yerevan, Armenia, after approximately 4 flight hours.

For the first time the regional jet Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100), developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft in partnership with Alenia Aeronautica (Finmeccanica Group), arrives in Venice. Namely the Sukhoi Superjet 100 opens weekly flights of Armenian national carrier Armavia to Venice.

The SSJ-100 was delivered to Armavia on April 19, 2011 during a ceremony at Zvartnots airport. The aircraft was put into commercial operation within unprecedentedly short time after delivery, having started service on April 20 with flights Erevan–Moscow–Erevan.

The aircraft received the name after the first cosmonaut “Yuri Gagarin” and the tail number EK 95015.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 has accumulated 24 flights in routes like Yerevan–Athens–Yerevan, Yerevan– Donetsk–Yerevan, Yerevan–Aleppo–Yerevan, Yerevan–Tehran–Yerevan, Yerevan– Tel Aviv–Yerevan and Yerevan–Simferopol–Yerevan, scoring approx. 50 flight hours.

The SSJ-100 Entry Into Service opens a new stage of the Program: the beginning of commercial operation and full-scale serial production. The second aircraft will join Armavia fleet in June 2011.

There are currently 17 aircraft are in serial production at various stages of completion, including 6 in the final assembly shop. This year Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company plans to deliver 13 aircraft in total.

Mr. Carlo Logli, Chief Executive Officer of SuperJet International, was on board of the SSJ-100. Upon his arrival in Venice he stated: “It was a great satisfaction flying on board of the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The aircraft is superior for the comfort delivered to its passengers, for the larger cabin, wider seating and more spacious overhead bins.

We are pleased to see the SSJ-100 landing at Marco Polo runway, next to the headquarters of SuperJet International. Venice, in fact, is the delivery center for the western Customers. We expect the first delivery to the Mexican airline Interjet for the second half of 2012. SuperJet International, responsible for the after-sales support, is actively working in order to provide Armavia with a reliable and high-quality after-sales support. At the same time, SuperJet International is providing Armavia with Flight Crew, Cabin Crew and Maintenance staff Training Courses” concluded Mr.
Logli.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is definitely the first production aircraft of modern Russia, created in partnership with world-wide aerospace leaders. The SSJ-100 represents a state-of-the-art aircraft in the 100-seat aircraft segment because of its outstanding characteristics in terms of quality, comfort and operational costs, the industry declares.

Source: avionews.com

May 1, 2011

Armavia airline starts flights to Venice on Russia's Superjet-100

The Armenian airline Armavia opens on Sunday regular passenger flights from Yerevan to Venice and back using Russia's newest commercial plane, the Sukhoi Superjet 100, company's press service said.
The flights will be made regularly once a week on Sundays, the company said.
The newest Russian aircraft was delivered to Armavia at a ceremony in Armenia on April 27. Next day it completed its first passenger flight from the capital of Armenia to Moscow carrying 90 passengers.
The Superjet 100 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.
The aircraft is capable of carrying 75-95 passengers up to 4,500 kilometers.
Armavia, which bought four of the planes in 2007, plans to use the aircraft to conduct flights to Moscow, St Petersburg, Sochi and Ukraine.
Currently, there are 17 models in production at different stages of completion.
The company plans to manufacture at least 14 Superjet 100s this year, and 25 in 2012, and intends to sell 35% of them to the United States, 25% to Europe, 10% to Latin America, and 7% to Russia and China.

Source: en.rian.ru

Apr 19, 2011

First Russian Sukhoi Superjet-100 in Yerevan

A handover ceremony of the first Sukhoi Superjet-100 that arrived in Armenia was held at the Zvartnots airport in Yerevan, Tuesday.  
President of the Armavia airline Mikhail Bagdasarov, Director General of the Sukhoi OJSC Mikhail Poghosyan, Russian Minister of Transport Igor Levitin, and other officials attended the ceremony.
The airline paid $24 million for the jet. This July, the airline plans to purchase another 98-seater. The airline plans to purchase three other jets within a year if the new jets prove their worth.
“Sukhoi Superjet-100 will make 1.5-2-hour-long flights to Moscow, Sochi, as well as to cities of Ukraine,” Bagdasarov said.
Responding to Armenian News-NEWS.am’s question, he said that the jet will make its maiden flight to Sochi on April 20.

Source: news.am

Celebrations as First Superjet 100 is Delivered

The first Sukhoi Superjet 100 jet was delivered to launch customer Armavia (of Armenia) today at Zvartnots airport, with the aircraft being named after the first man in space, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
Armavia2_web
Sukhoi general director Mikhail Pogosyan said: "The delivery of the first production aircraft is the key milestone of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 project.  The event opens a new stage for the programme - the beginning of commercial operation and full-scale serial production."
Armavia ordered the aircraft in September 2007, and plans to use its aircraft on flights to Moscow, St Petersburg, Sochi and Ukraine. Airline owner Mikhail Bagdasarov remarked: "We are very grateful for such an aircraft.  This is definitely a great milestone for the Russian aerospace industry, because the SSJ100 is in fact the first production aircraft of modern Russia, created in partnership with world-wide aerospace leaders.  We congratulate everybody with such a significant achievement!"
The Superjet 100 (SSJ100) is manufactured by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) in partnership with Alenia Aeronautica. The companies have a joint sales organisation for international sales, SuperJet International, which is based in Venice, Italy. The SSJ 100 is powered by two Powerjet SaM146 turbofan engines - Powerjet being a joint venture between Russia's NPO Saturn and Snecma of France.

Source: eraa.org

First Sukhoi Superjet 100 delivered to Armenian airline

The first Sukhoi Superjet 100, Russia's newest commercial plane, was delivered to the Armenian airline Armavia on Tuesday. 
The plane was named after Yury Gagarin, the first man in space, in a glitzy ceremony at Yerevan's Zvartnots airport. 
Armavia head Mikhail Bagdasarov said the plane will head for Moscow on its first flight on Wednesday.  Sukhoi currently has over 120 confirmed orders for the Superjet, the bulk from Russia's flagship airline Aeroflot. 
The company is seeking to sell at least 800 planes, more than half to foreign airlines.

Source: en.rian.ru

Armavia takes delivery of first Superjet 100

Armenian flag-carrier Armavia has taken delivery of the first serially-produced Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet. The hand-over ceremony took place today at the airline's base airport, Yerevan Zvartnots.


 
 © Superjet International
Armavia's cockpit crew piloted the aircraft from Sukhoi manufacturing plant KnAAPO in Komsomolsk-on-Amur with a landing in Novosibirsk.
The carrier's representative in Moscow, Gagik Sarkisyan, says it will enter commercial service in a few days following completion of its registration.


 
 © Superjet International
"Most likely, we'll deploy the Superjet 100 on the premier Yerevan-Moscow route for an inaugural flight," he says, adding that Armavia is expecting to take the next delivery in May.
The aircraft has been named "Yuri Gagarin" to honour the 50th anniversary of the first manned space flight. It was due to enter service last week.

By Tom Zaitsev

Source: flightglobal.com

First Russian ”Superjet 100” delivered to Armavia

The company Sukhoi Civil Aircraft delivered on Monday the first Superjet 100 to a launch customer. Armenia’s flight company Armavia received the first of two ordered aircrafts of that type. In total Sukhoi has confirmed orders for 170 Superjets.  The brand new "Superjet 100" is replacing an outdated Tu-134 aircraft. The first plane was named "Yurij Gagarin" by “Armavia”. According to Sukhoi Civil Aircraft there are at the present moment confirmed orders for 170 Superjets. Also Aeroflot is expected to receive – even delayed - its first “Superjets” during this year.  Meanwhile, last week Transport Minister Igor Levitin said that Aeroflot was mulling over punitive sanctions against Sukhoi Civil Aircraft because they failed to deliver the planes in time. Initially it was agreed that the aircraft will be delivered in late 2010. But due to delays in obtaining the certificate, the dates were postponed. (Source: Voice of Russia)



Source: russia-media.ru

Apr 16, 2011

Russian Sukhoi Superjet-100 to arrive in Armenia on April 19

The Russian airliner “Sukhoi Superjet” will arrive in Armenia on April 19 without delays, Spokeswoman for Armavia Air Company Nana Avetisova told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
According to her, “Sukhoi Superjet” is designed to carry out short distance flights. “It is already agreed that the new aircraft will make flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi and cities of Ukraine,” she said.
Asked on the price for the new aircraft, Avetisova said that it is a commercial issue. “I can say that the liner is designed for 98 passengers. Moreover, Armenia is the only country in the region with “Sukhoi Superjet-100,” she noted.
The leadership of Russia’s Aeroflot is going to offer the Russian government to fine the company for violation of terms of receiving the aircraft.
It was reported earlier that the first flight of Sukhoi Superjet-100 will be carried out on the Day of Astronautics on April 12.

Source: news.am

Apr 15, 2011

Armavia’s owner purchased no airport – spokesperson

Owner of the Armenian national carrier Armavia has not purchased an airport in Slovakia, spokesperson for the company told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
Nana Avetisova dismissed press reports stressing Mikhail Baghdasarov has not purchased any airport.
Spokesperson also denied rumors about delay in paying wages to the company’s employees.
“I can assure you that our employees receive salaries on time,” she said.
Earlier today Armenian Zhamanak (The Time) newspaper reported referring to its sources that Mikhail Baghdasarov had purchased an airport in Slovakia which, newspaper assumes, might cause delays in paying wages to company’s employees.

Source: news.am

Apr 13, 2011

Armavia misses key date for Superjet handover

Armavia has missed the planned handover date for taking the first Sukhoi Superjet 100, although it has signed a technical acceptance agreement for the aircraft.  It was intending to take the twinjet - aircraft 95007, named after cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin - for operations on 12 April, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Gagarin's first voyage into space.  But the handover was pushed back at least a week. Sukhoi says the Superjet has completed ground and flight tests and is "technically sound" and is ready for "immediate implementation of commercial flights".  Armavia representative Gagik Sarkisyan says, however: "There are minor technical issues and acceptance-related paperwork that remain to be tackled. But we still intend to receive the aircraft before May."

Source: flightglobal.com

Apr 4, 2011

Авиакомпания "Армавиа" осталась без лайнера Airbus А319

4 апреля 2011 г., Aviation Explorer –  Лизинговая компания International Lease Finance (ILFC) решила приостановить поставки новых узкофюзеляжных самолетов армянской авиакомпании "Армавиа".
 
Также стало известно, что  ILFC вернула себе один из уже поставленных в 2009 г. самолетов Airbus А319, который должен был эксплуатироваться "Армавией" до 2018 г. Возможно, данные шаги со стороны ILFC связаны с несоблюдением графика лизинговых платежей со стороны "Армавиа".
 
Сейчас в парке национального перевозчика Армении четыре самолета семейства А320. Кроме самолетов Airbus, в парке перевозчика эксплуатируются также Bombardier CRJ200 и ЯК-42 VIP, а в портфеле заказов есть два самолета российского производства Sukhoi Superjet 100, которые должны быть поставлены в апреле 2011 г., и опцион еще на две такие машины.
 
Источник: АТО.ru
 
Source: aex.ru

Mar 31, 2011

Armavia становится должником российских аэропортов

Армянская авиакомпания Armavia готовится принять первый российский лайнер Superjet. Однако перевозчику, возможно, придется скорректировать торжественную церемонию, связанную с началом эксплуатации нового самолета. Проблема — в больших долгах Armavia перед аэропортом Внуково, из-за чего первый рейс может быть перенесен в Домодедово.
Как рассказал источник РБK daily в аэропорту Внуково, авиакомпания Armavia перестала платить за обслуживание своих рейсов. По его словам, сейчас долг перевозчика перед аэропортом достиг 70 млн руб. Не исключено, что перевозчик вообще прекратит полеты из этого аэропорта. По словам другого источника, с финансовыми проблемами был связан перенос церемонии открытия первого коммерческого рейса нового российского лайнера Superjet из аэропорта Внуково в Домодедово. Официальный представитель Внуково отметил, что авиакомпания действительно задолжала аэропорту, однако речи о закрытии рейсов из Внуково не ведется. «Перевозчик стоит в расписании аэропорта до осени», — сказала РБК daily официальный представитель Внуково.
У Armavia проблемы не только с российскими аэропортами. Вчера армянские СМИ сообщили о том, что авиакомпания выпустила с задержкой в среднем в 5 ч рейсы Ереван — Рим, Ереван — Ростов, Ереван — Тегеран, Ереван — Дели и отменила рейсы Ереван — Мюнхен. Согласно сайту ереванского аэропорта Звартноц, в среду были отменены рейсы в Москву (Шереметьево) и Амман. Согласно сайту аэропорта Внуково рейс из Еревана вместо планируемых 16.20 вылетел в 21.40. Ранее 16 марта Armavia задерживала свои рейсы на час в знак протеста против высоких цен, установленных аэропортом Звартноц. Однако пресс-секретарь Звартноца Геворг Абрамян вчера пояснил армянскому изданию Tert.am, что у Armavia большой долг перед аэропортом. Гендиректору авиакомпании Armavia Михаилу Багдасарову РБК daily вчера дозвониться не удалось.
Авиакомпания Armavia является стартовым покупателем нового российского самолета Superjet. В компании — производителе самолета «Гражданские самолеты Сухого» РБК daily вчера заявили, что «компания их уведомила, что возникшие проблемы были урегулированы, компанию интересует, чтобы заказчик выполнил все предусмотренные контрактом условия поставки Superjet». Первый Superjet будет поставлен армянской авиакомпании в апреле.
 

Source: rbcdaily.ru

National air carrier Armavia delays flight to Rome by one day

Armenia’s national air carrier Armavia said today its March 29 flight from Yerevan to Rome, Italy, has been shifted to March 30.

A press secretary of the company, Nana Avetisova, said the flight was delayed because two of the company’s aircrafts are being overhauled. She said other flights were operated in due time. Avetisova said also one of the two aircrafts under repair is due to be back in Yerevan today.

Yesterday the company said several flights to Russia, Rome and New Delhi would be delayed due to lack of aircrafts.
Armavia was established in 1996. The company meets IATA international requirements operating over 100 flights a week to more than 40 destinations in 20 countries. It owns 11 aircrafts – three А320, three А319, three CRJ-200, one Yak-42-VIP and one Il-86. In April the company will buy also a new Russian-made Superjet -100.

Source: arka.am

Armavia: Flights to Munich to be operated from April 21

Armavia air company has announced Yerevan-Munich flight was not postponed for March 29. Flights to Munich will be operated starting from April 21, spokesperson for the company Nana Avetisov told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
Yesterday Yerevan-Rome, Yerevan-Rostov and Yerevan-Delhi flights were postponed. The first will be operated today, while aircrafts heading to Rostov and Delhi left Yerevan yesterday.

Source: news.am

SuperJet in Use by May 15

Aeroflot has scheduled Sukhoi SuperJet-100 (SSJ-100) aircraft for the Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod flight as of May 15, an airline source said.
The first SSJ-100 was due to be supplied to the air carrier in 2008. The delivery date was postponed several times. According to the latest reports, the first SSJ-100 plane will be supplied to Armenian airline Armavia in April.
The aircraft has an up to 98-passenger capacity and is can cover a distance of up to 4,400 kilometers. In 2011, manufacturer Sukhoi Civilian Aircraft is planning to make 14 SSJ-100s, increasing to 25 in 2012 and later reaching an annual output of 60 to 70 airliners.

(Interfax)

Source: themoscowtimes.com

Mar 29, 2011

Sukhoi SuperJet 100 to make first flight with passengers on April 12

altRussia’s Sukhoi 100 passenger jet will start flying passengers for the first time on April 12 when it travels from Armenia’s capital of Yerevan to Moscow.

The flight will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Yury Gagarin’s flight that made him the first man in space, RIA Novosti reports.

Armenia’s Armavia airline bought four Superjets in 2007. Sukhoi currently has 122 firm orders for the type and hopes to sell more than 700, with 35% going to North America, 25% to Europe, 10% to Latin America and 7% to Russia and China. Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot has orders for 40 Superjets and will be the second airline to receive the aircraft.

In January Mexico’s second largest airline, Interjet, ordered 15 Superjets for US$650 million, according to RIA Novosti. This marked the first contract for the Superjet from a Latin American country.

Sukhoi developed the Superjet 100 family of medium-haul passenger jets to compete against offerings from Embraer and Bombardier. Sukhoi claims its aircraft is cheaper to operate and less expensive to procure.

Sukhoi developed the Superjet with assistance from American and European aviation companies, including Boeing, Snecma, Thales, Honeywell, Messier Dowty and Liebherr Aerospace.

Italy’s Finmeccanica has a 25% stake in the Superjet programme. In 2007 Finmecannica’s Alenia subsidiary formed the Superjet International joint venture with Sukhoi, which is responsible for marketing, sales and aircraft delivery in Europe, the America’s, Africa, Japan and Oceania, as well as worldwide logistic support.

The Superjet is capable of carrying between 75 to 98 passengers up to a range of 4 400 kilometres.

Source: defenceweb.co.za

Mar 24, 2011

Russia's Sukhoi Superjet 100 to make first passenger flight from Yerevan


Russia's Sukhoi Superjet 100 passenger airliner will carry out its first passenger flight from Armenia's capital of Yerevan to Moscow on April 12, RIA Novosti reported.

The flight will take place on the 50th anniversary of the day that Yury Gagarin became the first man in space.

The first Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft was bought by Armenia's Armavia airline, Khabarovsk Territory Governor Vyacheslav Shport said during a meeting with Armenia's ambassador to Russia Oleg Yesayan in Khabarovsk on Tuesday.

The Superjet 100 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. The aircraft is capable of carrying 75-98 passengers up to 4,400 kilometers.

Sukhoi plans to manufacture at least 700 Superjet 100s and intends to sell 35 percent of them to North America, 25 percent to Europe, 10 percent to Latin America, and 7 percent to Russia and China.

Sukhoi currently has at least 122 firm orders for its Superjet 100 airliners. 

Source: armradio.am 

Mar 23, 2011

Armenian Ambassador to Russia visited Khabarovsk

On March 22 Armenian Ambassador to Russia Oleg Yesayan visited Khabarovsk. Mr. Ambassador met the Khabarovsk Governor Vyacheslav Shport. The cooperation between Armenia and the Khabarovsk State were discussed, the possibilities were touched upon, press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia reports.
The Governor Shport noted in his welcoming speech Russia had had friendly relations with Armenia for centuries and also added Armenia and Russia had the same approaches towards the different international cases.
Referring to the cooperation between Armenia and Khabarovsk, Vyacheslav Shport has noted the airplanes “Sukhoy Superjet-100” which were got by Armenian “Armavia” corporation is the best example for the Armenian-Khabarovsk cooperation effectiveness.
Armenian Ambassador noted in his turn Armenian side was ready to support the cooperation in the various spheres.

Source: times.am

Russia's Sukhoi Superjet 100 to make first passenger flight on April 12

Russia's Sukhoi Superjet 100 passenger airliner will carry out its first passenger flight from Armenia's capital of Yerevan to Moscow on April 12, officials in Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk Territory said on Wednesday.
The flight will take place on the 50th anniversary of the day that Yury Gagarin became the first man in space.
The first Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft was bought by Armenia's Armavia airline, Khabarovsk Territory Governor Vyacheslav Shport said during a meeting with Armenia's ambassador to Russia Oleg Yesayan in Khabarovsk on Tuesday.
The Superjet 100 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. The aircraft is capable of carrying 75-98 passengers up to 4,400 kilometers.
Sukhoi plans to manufacture at least 700 Superjet 100s and intends to sell 35 percent of them to North America, 25 percent to Europe, 10 percent to Latin America, and 7 percent to Russia and China.
Sukhoi currently has at least 122 firm orders for its Superjet 100 airliners.

Source: rian.ru

Mar 21, 2011

Zvartnots, Armavia settle disagreements through help of civil aviation authority

In the evening of March 18, Armenia International Airports CJSC, which is operating Yerevan's Zvartnots airport, and Armavia air company signed a memorandum of understanding having come to an agreement on current issues, the head of civil aviation authority of Armenia, Artem Movsisyan stated.
As the chief executive at Zvartnots airport Marcelo Vende noted, issues they're facing could have occurred in any country. “We realize that Armavia is making major investments, purchasing new planes, which is beneficial to the airport. However have our own investments to make and hope that the air company understands that. The airport must fulfill its obligations to the creditors,” he said. As the chief executive stated, the agreement signed stipulates for “debt threshold” which the air company is not allowed to exceed.
Armavia President Mikhail Baghdasarov, in turn, apologized for the inconvenience to air company passengers.
In response to the discontent of Armavia national carrier protesting high tariffs for the Zvartnots airport's services, the Armenia International Airports CJSC issued a statement to say that the present aircraft handling tariffs were established in 2005 taking into consideration the airport development Master Plan and has not changed up to this date.
In the morning of March 16, Armavia delayed the flights for an hour to protest against the high service prices established by Zvartnots international airport. On the same day, Armavia President Mikhail Baghdasarov stated that the service prices at Zvartnots exceed those of Moscow, Rome and Paris by 3, 2.5 and 1.5 times respectively.

Source: panarmenian.net

Armenia Airport, Airline Settle Debt Row

Armenia’s main international airport and national airline said on Monday that they have settled a bitter financial dispute that threatened to disrupt the country’s air communication with the outside world.

Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport last week delayed several flights by the Armavia carrier for what it called a failure to pay outstanding debts for airport ground services.

Armavia executives denied that and said Zvartnots’s Argentine management has drastically raised its service fees. They claimed that the tariffs were already much higher than those charged by major airports in Russia and western Europe. The airport chief executive, Marcelo Vende, responded by accusing the airline of spreading “disinformation.”

The two sides announced that they signed on Friday a compromise agreement brokered by the Armenian government’s Civil Aviation Department. But they refused to disclose details of the deal.

“All issues have been resolved,” Armavia’s Russian-Armenian owner, Mikhail Bagdasarov, said. “I’m not going to tell you how because it’s a commercial deal. Both sides are satisfied.”

“We certainly wanted to gain more. But the two sides are making concessions to each other,” he told at a joint news conference with Vende and Artyom Movsesian, head of the Civil Aviation Department.

“We understand that Armavia is making a lot of investments, trying to bring more aircraft to Armenia and seeking to develop civil aviation in Armenia,” Vende said, for his part. “But we also have liabilities to various foreign banks and Armavia should understand that we have made a lot of investments in the new terminal which we will inaugurate this autumn.”

According to Movsesian, the Zvartnots management agreed to reschedule the repayment of “a considerable part” of Armavia’s debt. He gave no further details, and it thus remained unclear how much Armavia owes to Zvartnots.

Bagdasarov said last week that his company spends between $4 million and $8 million a month on various services provided by the airport.

Zvartnots is run by the Corporacion America group of Eduardo Eurnekian, an Argentine billionaire of Armenian descent, in accordance with a long-term management agreement signed with the Armenian government in 2002. Eurnekian has pledged to invest more than $100 million in rebuilding the airport and upgrading its facilities. 
 
Source: azatutyun.am

Armavia and Zvartnots airport came to terms

Armavia air company and “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC have come to terms, head of Armenia’s civil aviation department told the journalists on Monday.
Artyom Movsisyan noted representatives of two companies met last Friday at the invitation of civil aviation department to discuss disputable issues. He said the sides – Armavia, “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC and civil aviation department signed a memorandum on mutual understanding.
Armavia’s owner Mikhail Baghdasarov and Marcelo Wende, managing director of “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC, assured they had settled dispute over Armavia’s debts. The sides stressed they had reached consensus, refusing to disclose the details.
The heads of both companies promised disputes will not affect passengers’ interests in the future.
Last week Armavia air company suspended its flights from Zvartnots airport for an hour last week in protest against high prices for airport’s services. Earlier Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport suspended flights of Armavia air company due to debts.


Source: news.am

Mar 17, 2011

Zvartnots airport concerned over Armavia’s debt

In response to the discontent of Armavia national carrier protesting high tariffs for the Zvartnots airport’s services, the “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC issued a statement to say that the present aircraft handling tariffs were established by in 2005 taking into consideration the airport development Master Plan and has not changed up to this date.
“Armenia” International Airports” CJSC is concerned about the increase of the amount of debt accumulated by the air company for three months. It is also worrying when the air company constantly violates the schedule for the payment of the debts established itself, says the statement provided by PR Department of “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC to panarmenian.net .
As for the aviation fuel tariffs, “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC purchases the aviation fuel from Mika Limited company belonging to the shareholder of the air company and the fuel sale price is defined in accordance with the formula stipulated by the RA State Committee on the Protection of Economic Competitiveness. The payment for the fuel is done by “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC on the moment of receiving the fuel on the same day, without any delays, it says.
“Armenia” International Airports” CJSC says is sorry for the inconveniences caused to the passengers by the air company and hopes that the national air carrier will undertake prompt measures for improving the situation by timely fulfilling the obligations undertaken by him.

Source: panarmenian.net

Owner: planes of national air carrier of Armenia not arrested

Planes of national air carrier of Armenia – the company “Armavia” are not arrested, said the owner of the air company Mikhayil Baghdasarov during the press-conference on Wednesday.

“Who told you that the plane is arrested? We negotiate on the reduction of leasing cost. This plane is in repair now but it doesn’t mean that it is arrested”, he said.

Earlier in the Armenian mass media there appeared information that one of the planes of the air company is as of arrested in Paris for having debts. Press-secretary of the company Nana Avetisova said that the plane is really in Paris for passing technical service which will take from 20 to 30 days.

Baghdasarov said that all the rumors on the arrest and large debts of the air company is mostly the imagination of some mass media and “some people”. Despite the rumors “Armavia” is prospering and is planning to allocate the money borrowed from Bank VTB (Armenia) for buying planes

Bombardier CRJ-200 which will replenish the air park “Armavia” in May-June.
On Wednesday in the frames of the strategy of corporate business Bank VTB (Armenia) defined credit-documentary limit on the Armenian group of companies “Mika” in the amount of $20 million. The allocated money will go to the funding of different projects of the group including air company “Armavia”, the company “Mika Limited” (dealing with the import of oil products from Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece and Ukraine to Armenia) and “Mika Cement”.

“This amount is not enough for covering the purchase of planes fully, but a part of money will be allocated in this direction”, said Baghdasarov.

National air carrier of Armenia – the company “Armavia” was established in 1996 and corresponds to international requirements IATA. Today “Armavia” makes over 100 flights weekly in more than 40 directions of 20 countries worldwide.
Currently, air park of the company consists of 11 planes - three А-320, three - А-319, three - CRJ-200, one - YAK-42-VIP and IL-86. In the nearest future Superjet-100 will replenish the air park of the company.

Source:  arka.am

Armenian national air company waiting for reaction from government to its discord with Zvartnots airport

Armavia, Armenian national air company, is waiting for reaction from the government to the discord between the company and Zvartnots International Airport, Mikhail Bagdasarov, owner of Armavia, said Wednesday at a news conference.

He said that no reaction has been seen from Zvartnots so far. “I think reaction will come from the anti-trust commission and the Armenian government,” he said.

Earlier, Zvartnots suspended Armavia’s flights because of the latter’s debts. However yesterday, the airport resumed operating the company’s flight.

Armenia’s national air carrier Armavia suspended its flights scheduled for today morning by an hour in a protest against high prices set by Armenia Zvartnots International Airport.

Bagdasarov said that the company has started negotiating with the airport yet four years ago, but no results have been reached over prices.

He blamed Zvartnots for infringing the company’s rights.

In his words, Armavia has to keep its aircrafts abroad, since parking is cheaper there. “We also have to fuel our aircrafts overseas,” he said.

Bagdasarov said that air fares are high also because of high fees set by the airport.

That is why Armavia finds it unbeneficial to increase the number of its airliners.

The owner of Armavia outlined three directions of development of Armenian aviation.

“First of them is comfortable transportation of Armenians living overseas, second is to take advantage from Armenia’s geographical position, and we do it, and third is to break through the blockade,” he said. “Those who have a harsh word to say about aviation are enemies of the nation. They don’t want to see Armenia unblocked. They want we to go back to the period when we traveled through Georgia and made several changes of vehicles to reach destinations. Not a single company will remain in Armenia in the event of the first fire. Georgia’s experience shows has proved this – not a single foreign air company sent its aircrafts to this country. It is obvious that those who run campaign against us are the nation’s enemies.

Armavia National Air Company was established in 1996. The company meets IATA international requirements.

Armavia operates over 100 flights a day to more than 40 destinations in 20 countries.

It possesses 11 aircrafts - А320-3, А319-3, CRJ-200, Yak-42-VIP and Il-86. A new Superjet -100 is expected to be added to them soon.

Source: arka.am

Mar 16, 2011

Armavia has no intention to repay its debt to Armenia’s Zvartnots international airport

Armavia, Armenian national air company, has no intention to repay its debt to Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Mikhail Bagdasarov, owner of the company, said Wednesday at a news conference. “If a debt is smaller than monthly spending, this is a normal debt,” he said. “We have no problems with repayment, but we will never do it, since there are unwritten rules, which must be observed.

Venting anger at Zvartnots, he said that Armavia receives the airport’s services at high prices, and if the air company starts paying debts ahead of schedule, it will find itself in greater disadvantage.

Earlier, Zvartnots suspended Armavia’s flights because of the latter’s debts. However yesterday, the airport resumed operating the company’s flight.

Armenia’s national air carrier Armavia suspended its flights scheduled for today morning by an hour in a protest against high prices set by Armenia Zvartnots International Airport.

In an angry statement the carrier said services at Zvartnots airport are 3 times more expensive than the same services at Moscow airports and 2.-2.5 times more expensive than at airports in Paris, Rome and other European cities.

Bagdasarov stressed that the company operates 950 flights a month and 500 flights in winter months, but the conditions are the same as for companies which operate four flights a month. He said that those companies operating a great number of flights enjoy 50% discount in Russia and Europe.

The owner of the Armavia said that the financial resources lent by VTB Bank (Armenia) under today’s agreement wouldn’t be spent for repaying the debt, since as a rule, bills for the airport-provided services are paid within one month.

Russia-owned Bank VTB (Armenia) has opened a credit-documentary limit for Armenian Mika Group of companies in the amount of $20 million as part of its corporate business fostering strategy. The funds will be used to finance various projects of Mika Group that comprises Armenia’s national air carrier Armavia, Mika Ltd., which imports fuel from Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece and Ukraine, and Mika Cement.

Armavia National Air Company was established in 1996. The company meets IATA international requirements.

Armavia operates over 100 flights a day to more than 40 destinations in 20 countries.

It possesses 11 aircrafts - А320-3, А319-3, CRJ-200, Yak-42-VIP and Il-86. A new Superjet -100 is expected to be added to them soon.

Source: arka.am

Armavia delays flights, accusing Yerevan airport of blackmail

The Armenian national air carrier, Armavia, has this morning delayed its flights for one hour in a protest for high service prices at the Zvarthnots International Airport, the company's press secretary, Nana Avetisova, has told Tert.am.
She said the service prices at the Yerevan airport exceeded the prices of Moscow airports three times and were almost twice higher than at European airports.
"Main air carriers all over the world always benefit from privileged terms. Armavia, as a national air carrier, has no privileges at all, even though it carries out about 500 flights every month and increases the number of its monthly flights to 700 in summer. The terms, however, are the same as for companies carrying out no more than four flights monthly," Avetisova said.

Earlier, the spokesman of the Zvarthnots Airport, Gevorg Abrahamyan, had said no services were provided to the company's flights due to accumulated debts.
Avetisova said, however, that the company is delaying its flights because the fuel which is imported to Armenia by an Armavia shareholder is sold to the company at a $150 higher price. She said the company is thus attempting to focus passengers' attention to the problem and added that the high service prices at the airport prevent Armavia to reduce the prices on air-tickets.
"Despite the high prices, Zvartnots has adopted strict measures, suspending the services for Armavia's flights. Current debts, according to the international practice, should be paid off during the coming month. Although Armavia debts have been reduced by 20%, the airport demands that they be paid them off in advance," she said, adding that the company is taking such steps to reduce the ticket prices.
"And that can be achieved only through negotiations and concessions, rather than blackmail," she added.
Avetisova denied the reports that the Armavia company is being sold.
"The company is not being sold. On the contrary, it is expanding the geography of its flights and enriching its aircraft fleet, and that's something our rivals dislike," she noted.

Source: armeniadiaspora.com

Zvartnots airport: Armavia violates debt repayment terms

“Armenia” International Airports” CJSC is concerned about the increase of the amount of debt accumulated by Armavia air company for three months. It is also worrying when the air company constantly violates the schedule for the payment of the debts established itself, airport’s press service informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.
As for the aviation fuel tariffs let us note that “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC purchases the aviation fuel  from Mika Limited company belonging to the shareholder of the air company and the fuel sale price is defined in accordance with the formula stipulated by the RA State Committee on the Protection of Economic Competitiveness. The payment for the fuel is done by “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC on the moment of receiving the fuel on the same day, without any delays, reads the statement.
“Armenia” International Airports” CJSC is sorry for the inconveniences caused to the passengers by the air company and hopes that the national air carrier will undertake prompt measures for improving the situation by timely fulfilling the undertaken obligations.
Earlier today Armavia air company suspended several flights in protest against high prices for airport services.


Source: news.am

Armavia suspends flights for one hour to protest high airport charges

Armenia’s national air carrier Armavia suspended flights for an hour on Wednesday morning, protesting the high prices of Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, the airline’s press service told media.

Armavia, in particular, says Zvartnots airport services are three times more expensive than those of Moscow airports and on average are twice more expensive than airport services in Europe.

The airline also protested Zvartnots’ tough measures to suspend Armavia flights because of its accumulated debts and demanding the debt be paid immediately. Armavia acknowledged having debts, but said:

“In according with international practice, the current debt is to be paid off next month. Armavia has reduced the debt by 20 percent, nevertheless, Zvartnots demands an immediate payoff.”

According to a later report, Armavia resumed its flights.

The airline operates about 500 flights a month, with the number of flights reaching 700 a month during summertime.

Source: armenianow.com

Armavia protests against high prices of Zvartnots airport

The Armavia Airlines suspended flights for an hour in the morning of March 16, protesting against the high prices of Zvartnots International Airport.
Armavia report said that Zvartnots airport services are three times more expensive than those of Moscow airports and on average twice more expensive than Europe airports services.
Nevertheless, against the high prices, Zvartnots took tough measures suspending the flights for Armavia Airlines, the report read.
“According to international practice, current debt is to be paid off next month. Armavia has reduced the debt by 20 percent, nevertheless, Zvartnots demands an immediate payoff,” Armavia reported.
According to our information, Armavia has resumed flights.
 

Source: aysor.am

Armavia denies rumors about sale of company to a president’s relative

National carrier Armavia denies rumors about the sale of the air company to a relative of the Armenian President.
“These rumors are not true to fact,” company spokesperson Nana Avetisova told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
Commenting on the information that Armavia’s 2 aircrafts are allegedly in Paris under arrest, she said these should undergo technical maintenance, a C-сheck, which can last from 20 to 30 days.

Source: panarmenian.net

Zvartnots resumed flight services for Armavia air company

Yerevan’s International Zvartnots Airport has resumed flight services for Armavia air company. Previously it was suspended due to company’s debts.
Spokesperson for the airport Gevorg Abrahamyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am in case problems remain unsettled other flights of the air company will not be provided with services as well. At the moment representatives of Zvartnots airport and Armavia are holding negotiations on the issue.

Source: news.am

Mar 12, 2011

Armavia raises ticket prices

The Armavia airline has raised the ticket prices for a number of directions. Armavia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am that the reason is a sharp rise in fuel prices (U.S. $170 per ton). “Therefore, the ticket prices have been raised” said Nana Avetisova, Armavia Press Secretary.
A few days ago a Yerevan-Moscow-Yerevan flight cost 120,000 AMD (about U.S. $333), whereas the ticket price has been raised up to 170,000 AMD (about U.S. $470).
In response to our inquiry, a number of ticket agencies confirmed the price rise. However, they lay the responsibility on the Armavia airline.
The Atlantik-Tour agency sells a Yerevan-Moscow ticket for 100,000 AMD (U.S. $275, with a 25% discount for women, the actual price thus being 85,500 AMD (about U.S. $220). A Yerevan-Dubai ticket is 149,000 AMD (U.S. $415) – 10,000 AMD more than a week ago.

Source: news.am

Mar 11, 2011

SJI starts Armavia flight airplane crew training course in Moscow

SuperJet International (SJI) -a joint-venture between Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica Company, and Sukhoi Holding- has started the Flight Crew Training Course for Armavia aircraft pilots at its Training Center facility in Moscow.

SJI, which is in charge of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100) sales in the Western markets, is also responsible for training and after-sales support all over the world.

Given the international nature of the product, SJI has established two facilities based in Venice and in Moscow for its training opportunities.

The Type Rating Course, managed by SJI instructors, will involve Armavia crews and it will have a duration of 24 days.

This is the first course for Armavia pilots after the start of Aeroflot Training Courses on February 21. SJI Training Center is currently providing Aeroflot with Flight Crew, Cabin Crew and Maintenance staff Training Courses.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a state-of-the-art new generation regional jet. It is currently the best choice in the 100-seat aircraft segment because of its outstanding characteristics in terms of quality, comfort and operational costs, according to a press release issued by the industry.

Source: avionews.com

Mar 9, 2011

Zvartnots Official Denies Turkish Airlines Flights from Yerevan

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)—Armenia’s Zvartnots Airport officials denied Wednesday reports that Turkish Airlines is planning to open offices in Yerevan and initiate flights from the Armenian capital to Los Angeles.
Spokesperson for the General Department of Civil Aviation of Armenia, Nelly Chercheryan, told PanArmenian.net news agency that the information is false.
The Zvartnots press service said that the airport did not have information on the establishment of a Turkish Airlines office in Armenia.
The Istanbul-based Hurriyet Daily News reported about the Turkish Airlines office opening in Yerevan, quoting its chairman Hamdi Topcu.
According to Hurriyet, Topcu met with what the paper called “representatives of the Armenian community,” while he was in Los Angeles last week to unveil the flights and the advertising campaign featuring Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
“Majority of Armenians residing in the US have come here from Armenia and want to see their homeland,” Topcu was quoted by Hurriyet as saying.
Topcu also told Hurriyet will also transport cheese to Los Angeles-Armenians and added that “We also want to employ Armenians.”
Last year, Turkish Airlines announced that it has signed a multi-million dollar contract with Bryant to be the company’s ambassador. This sparked the outrage of the Armenian-American community and prompted the Armenian Youth Federation to launch a campaign urging Bryant to donate his earnings to charity.

Source: asbarez.com

Feb 24, 2011

Armavia air company president nominated for 2010 Person of the Year Russian prize

On February 24, Moscow will host an award ceremony for 2010 Person of the Year prize, with 3 Armenians listed among 27 nominees.
As Armavia air company press service told PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, Armavia president Mikhail Bagdasarov is among the nominees for Contribution to Development of the Sector.
Joint Energy Construction Corporation President Valeri Sahakyan was nominated for the same prize. The president of Moscow Interbank Currency Stock Exchange Ruben Aghanbekyan was nominated for a prize in business sector.
The director of Chekhov Moscow Art Theatre Oleg Tabakov and Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev were nominated for Grand Prix.

Source: panarmenian.net

Feb 13, 2011

Armavia to carry our regular flights Madrid, Amritsar, Munich

Armavia Aircompany will soon carry out regular flights to Madrid, Amritsar and Munich cities.
Flights to Madrid will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays with departure from Yerevan at 6:05 local time.
Starting from March 9, 2011 the aircompany will start regular flights to the Indian holy city of Amritsar. Yerevan-Amritsar-Yerevan flights will operate on 3/4 and 4/5 of the week.
Yerevan-Munich-Yerevan will be carried out on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with departure from Yerevan at 10:50 am (local time), starting from March 29, 2011.
Armavia also offers convenient connections from Amritsar to Birmingham, Rome, Moscow and back to Yerevan on an exclusive low fares, Spokeswoman for Armavia Nana Avetisova told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
Madrid, Amritsar and Munich are the second points of the national airline Armavia in Spain, India and Germany, along with Barcelona, New Delhi and, Berlin.

Source: news.am

In spring armenian national air carrier “Armavia” will make flights in three new directions

In spring Armenian national air carrier “Armavia” will make flights in three new directions, press-secretary of the company Nana Avetisova informs.

The company will make regular flights to Madrid on Thursdays and Saturdays at 06:05 (05:05 Moscow time) from Yerevan.

“Madrid will become the second destination point of national air carrier to Spain along with Barcelona”, she said.

From March 9 “Armavia” will start regular flights to Amritsar (India) which will also become the second destination point of the company in India. The flights will take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.

“Armavia” suggests convenient connections from Amritsar to Birmingham, Rome, Moscow and back via Yerevan by exclusive low tariffs.

Third new direction will be the capital of Bavaria – Munich which is the second destination point in Germany along with Berlin.

“Flights Yerevan-Munich-Yerevan will be implemented on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:50 (09:50 Moscow time) from Yerevan starting from March 29”, said Avetisova.

Source: arka.am

Feb 3, 2011

First Superjet-100 christened Yury Gagarin


Sukhoi Superjet-100. Photo: RIA Novosti 

The brand new Sukhoi Superjet 100 liner, the first produced commercially, proudly bears the name of space pioneer Yury Gagarin. The aircraft, designed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, will be delivered to Armenian air carrier Armavia at the beginning of this year. Meanwhile February 3 saw the Superjet 100 receive its Type Certification from the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC).
Having received the nod from the IAC, the fly-by-wire regional jet with a 5,000 km range, designed to carry around 100 passengers, is now ready for commercial operation. The word “first” has hundreds of applications when it comes to the Superjet. For instance, this is the first passenger plane made using digital technologies. For the first time ever, such a project was carried out in close concert with foreign aircraft construction companies, including Boeing, Alenia, Thales, SNECMA and Honeywell. The aircraft is fitted out with mostly foreign-made equipment and devices, and from the very beginning asserts its absolute competitiveness.
Now it needs to demonstrate its operational characteristics, stresses the head of the avia.ru website Roman Gusarov:
"The airplane accords with modern ideas of convenience. This won’t raise any issues as it fully meets expectations for this kind of vehicle. We’ll be able to judge how reliable it is from how it fares during operation. The same can be said for the turnaround in its service and maintenance. This is an important parameter, which will strongly impact upon how well it’ll sell. Sadly, so far, the maintenance issue has been the Achilles Heel of the Russian aviation industry. But Sukhoi are establishing a principally new system together with their foreign partners. I hope that the plane will be serviced expeditiously, that parts’ delivery will be timely and the Superjet won’t be complicated and expensive to run. If all these factors fall into place, we will see a spike in demand for these airplanes," Gusarov forecasts.
At this stage, successful marketing and promotion of this airplane is becoming the number one task. There have been some achievements to this end so far, with air carriers from South East Asia, Latin America, countries in the CIS and Russia confirming 170 orders.
Competition in this sector is fierce, but the Sukhoi managed to outpace its competitors by milliseconds, just like in a 100-metre sprint, Roman Gusarov points out:
"There’s plenty of competition for this project and there are pros and cons for each manufacturer. First of all, there are the already existing Embraer planes. At the same time, there’s work happening in Japan and China on aircraft with analogous characteristics. But these planes are only undergoing development and haven’t reached the commercial production stage," the aviation expert explains.
Sukhoi plans to make no fewer than 800 Superjets by 2020. Middle Eastern countries are showing an interest in planes with a carrying capacity of up to 100 passengers. No European companies have stepped forward to place orders as yet, since Superjet doesn’t yet have European Aviation Safety Agency certification, but this is set to be rectified in 2012. This year, German carrier Lufthansa plans to hold a tender for the renewal of its regional airplane fleet and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft is expected to take part.

Source:  english.ruvr.ru

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