Armavia pilots go on strike

Armavia Air Company has stopped flights. The airline told Zhamanak daily on Friday that the flights did not take place due to the fact that the pilots were on strike. The airline added that all workers received their salary except several pilots who went on strike in protest. Also, Armavia promises to give back ticket money to passengers.

Source: panorama.am

Armavia stops operating flights earlier than announced

Armavia airline has stopped its flights earlier than announced. The airline has not operated any flight from Zvartnots International Airport today, the airport’s spokesman Gevorg Abrahamian said.
“Passengers gathered in the airport. They then realized that Armavia will not operate anymore and went to the head office of the company, demanding explanations,” Gevorg Abrahamian told the correspondent of Aysor.am. Our attempts to get information from a representative of Armavia failed.
Let us remind you that Armavia’s press service announced today that Armenia’s national carrier, Armavia airline, stops operating flights starting from April 1.
“At the moment the situation is such that it is impossible to work any longer. For that reason a decision was taken to stop flights and file for bankruptcy. The company expresses its gratitude to all its passengers, with whom it has worked for 12 years and wishes success to them”, was said in the statement of the airline.

Source: aysor.am

Armavia files for bankruptcy, to cease operations

Armenian carrier Armavia Airlines filed for bankruptcy and will cease flights April 1. The airline said it failed to cope with the 2008 world economic crisis.
“An Armavia owner (the local businessman Mikhail Baghdasarov) supported the airline at the other businesses expense,” the carrier said in a statement. “But now it is impossible to continue this way.”
In Nov. 2012 Bagdhasarov put Armavia up for sale and local media reported the owner was considering potential buyers from Russia, Australia and Italy. Baghdasarov said there were no Armenian businessmen in a position to buy the airline.
The airline’s fleet includes two Airbus A320s, three Bombardier CRJ200LRs and three Boeing 737-500s. Armavia was the first to take delivery of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 in 2011 but later returned the aircraft to the manufacturer, saying it was unsatisfied with its operational results. Later the carrier refused to take delivery of second SSJ100. The Sukhoi Civil Aircraft company said the decision was based on the carrier's poor financial condition and not related to the aircraft’s operational performance.
Nearly half of the Armavia network is concentrated in Russia and Ukraine and the airline also performs flights to Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

Source: atwonline.com

“Armavia” company stops its flights

“Armavia” national aviation company stops its service since April 1. The message by the company tells about this. The message especially says:
“Now it is impossible to work. That is why we have decided to stop the flights and start the process of bankruptcy. The company thanks all its costumers, who were with us for those 12 years”.
Remind that “Armavia” was found on 1996 and started to fulfill flights since 2001. Then it had only one airplane. In 2003 it got 3 more planes and on 2006 seven more planes. On 2007 it already had 14 planes.

Source: times.am

Armenia’s Armavia air company to halt flights and begin bankruptcy procedure

Armenia’s national air carrier, Armavia, said today it will halt flights from April 1 and will begin bankruptcy procedure, the company’s press office reports.  

It was said in the company’s press release that the 2008 global recession has wrecked many foreign air companies, particularly KUBAN, AEROSVIT, RED WINGS, AMERICAN AIRLINES, MALEV etc. 

“Aviation is an area where one shouldn’t be satisfied with what has already been achieved,” the press release says. “In recent tree years, the owner of Armavia invested money from other businesses into the air carrier, but things today leave no room for working this way. That is why it was decided to halt flights and start bankruptcy procedure.” 

The company’s press office also said that Armavia, which was established in 1996, started operating flights in 2001 possessing only one aircraft. The company added three other aircrafts to it in 2003 and seven in 2006. One year later, in 2007, Armavia already had 14 aircrafts in stock and operated 100 flights to more than 40 destinations in 20 countries.  

“Over a period between 2007 and 2010 the company has won a reputation for being a reliable partner carrying out its commitments properly,” the press release says. 

The company thanked all its passengers and wished them good luck. 

In November 2012, Mikhail Bagdasarov, president of MIKA Limited holding and owner of Armavia, voiced his intention to sell the company because of the economic crisis and the losses sustained from maintenance of Russia’s SuperJet. 

He said that there were Italian investors and businessmen from the East among potential purchasers.  

His license term expired on March 14, and no decision has come from the government so far to prolong it. 

Gagik Tsarukyan, a prominent entrepreneur and the leader of Prosperous Armenia party, was mentioned in Armenian media reports as likely purchaser. 

According to media reports, Bagdasarov intends to sell the air company for $50 million.

Source: arka.am

Armavia confirms bankruptcy rumors

Armavia Airline Company, which is Armenia’s national carrier, decided to suspend its flight as of April 1, the Company press release informs. 
“Over the course of three years, Armavia Company invested means from other businesses to maintain Armavia’s development. But the situation is such that there is no possibility to continue the work in this way, [and] therefore a decision is made to suspend the flights and to commence a process of bankruptcy.
“The company expresses its gratitude to all passengers, with whom it worked in all the twelve years, and wishes success.  
“The global economic and aviation crisis ‘destroyed’ many airlines,” Armavia’s press release reads in particular.

Source:  news.am

Armavia to return money for tickets

Armavia air company which has declared bankruptcy will return money for tickets, spokesperson for Armenian general department of civil aviation said.
Talking to Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent, Nelly Cherhinyan said the company pledged to return the cost of tickets regardless of whether the tickets were bought from Armavia bracnhes or through ticket brokers.
On Friday Armavia decided to cancel the flights and announced decision to initiate bankruptcy proceedings.

Source:  news.am

Armavia cancels flights to Moscow, Krasnodar and Dubai

Armenia’s Armavia national carrier has already cancelled flights to Moscow, Krasnodar and Dubai. The company pledged to refund the price of the tickets.
“Armavia will possibly declare itself bankrupt due to the financial problems,” head of the General Department of the Civil Aviation Artyom Movsesyan earlier said, voicing skepticism over the government to extend the contract signed with the company.
The national carrier’s debts for securing air navigation services in Russia totals $288 000, a source in Russian aviation authorities told gazeta.ru.
Armavia issued a statement today, on March 28, announcing a decision to cease operations starting April 1, 2013.
“Armavia was established in 1996. It started operation of flights in 2001with only one aircraft. The company’s fleet was replenished with 3 planes in 2003, with 7 and 14 more planes in 2006 and 2007 respectively. However, many airline companies went bankrupt during the world economic and aviation crisis of 2008. Aviation is in need of continuous development. In the past three years, the owner of Armavia invested funds of other businesses to foster the development of the company. However, in the face of the current situation, the company resolved to halt the flights and start the bankruptcy proceedings. The company expresses gratitude to all its passengers and wishes them good luck,” Armavia’s press service said.

Source: panarmenian.net

Armavia airline stops operating flights starting from April 1st

Armenia’s national carrier, Armavia airline stops operating flights starting from April 1, the airline’s press service reported.
“At the moment the situation is such that it is impossible to work any longer. For that reason a decision was taken to stop flights and file for bankruptcy. The company expresses its gratitude to all its passengers, with whom it has worked for 12 years and wishes success to them”, is said in a statement of the airline.

Source: aysor.am

Armavia stops flights, prepares to file for bankruptcy

Armavia Air Company, Armenia’s national airline, will stop flights starting April 1, company’s press service reported.
“For now, the situation is that it is no longer possible to work and therefore it was decided to stop the flights and start the bankruptcy procedure. The airline thanks all its passengers with whom it has worked for 12 years and wishes them every success,” the press statement said.

Source: panorama.am

Gagik Tsarukian has no intention of buying Armavia

“The leader of BHK (Prosperous Armenia Party) Gagik Tsarukian has never had an intention of buying Armavia. This information is unfounded,” the correspondent of Aysor.am was informed by Tsarukian’s spokeswoman Iveta Tonoyan.
According to some press reports, Tsarukian intends to purchase Armavia. He tried to convince Armavia airline’s owner Baghdasarov to declare the company bankrupt and then sell it.
However, the government is against this move because the wage arrears will result in protests of company employees so the airline should be sold after solution of this problem.
It is also noteworthy that negotiations are now being conducted with two foreign companies: Vergin Atlantic and an Italian company, but Tsarukian’s intention impedes these negotiations.

Source: aysor.am

Hraparak: Tsarukian intends to purchase Armavia

“Hraparak” daily informs its readers about some details of the meeting between BHK Party leader Gagik Tsarukian and the owner of Armavia airline Mika Baghdasarov.
“Tsarukian intends to purchase Armavia. He tries to convince Baghdasarov to declare the company bankrupt and then sell it. But the government is against it because the wage arrears will result in protests of company employees so the airline should be sold after solution of this problem. By the way, negotiations are also being conducted with two foreign companies: Vergin Atlantic and an Italian company, but Tsarukian’s intention impedes these negotiations,” the paper writes.

Source: aysor.am

Гагик Царукян намерен купить авиакомпанию «Армавиа» - СМИ

Лидер партии «Процветающая Армения», крупный предприниматель Гагик Царукян и владелец авиакомпании «Армавиа» Михаил Багдасаров обсудили вопрос продажи национального авиаперевозчика, пишет газета «Грапарак».

По данным издания, Царукян намерен купить авиакомпанию и хочет уговорить Багдасарова объявить о ее банкротстве, после чего состоится сделка. Между тем, правительство Армении выступает против этого, поскольку долги по зарплате станут поводом для протеста сотрудников компании, поэтому продажа может быть осуществлена после решения вопросов с долгами. Как отмечается, Багдасаров ведет переговоры по данному вопросу также с двумя зарубежными компаниями - американской «Вирджин атлантик» и с одной итальянской, но планы Царукяна мешают этому.

В сентябре прошлого года «Армавиа» сообщила о том, что ведет переговоры о продаже компании (или части ее) с несколькими потенциальными инвесторами. Ранее владелец авиакомпании Михаил Багдасаров сообщил журналистам о том, что компания может объявить о банкротстве, передает ИА REGNUM.

Source: rus.azatutyun.am

Armenia’s government not clear on extending Armavia’s license period : press digest

The government of Armenia hasn’t decided yet over extension of Armavia company’s license period, according to an article published in Orakarg newspaper (Agenda) on Thursday.

Within the frames of the agreement signed on March 14, 2003, the government authorized Armavia, Armenia’s national air carrier, to operate flights to some particular destinations. 

Upon the expiration of the license period, General Department of Civil Aviation of Armenia should propose to the government to either extend the license period of the company or to announce a contest for air carriers to operate the flights to the  same destinations thus liberalizing the air traffic market.

“The government hasn’t decided yet whether to liberalize the air traffic market or to extend Armavia’s monopoly,” the newspaper says.

In addition, as of March 14 General Department of Civil Aviation of Armenia hasn’t submitted any proposals yet.

Armavia was established in 1996. In 2005, MIKA Limited President Mikhail Baghdasarov, one of Armenia’s most prominent entrepreneurs, became the sole owner of the company. Armavia operates more than 100 flights a week to 40 destinations in 20 countries. The company operates Airbuses, CRJs, Boeings and Russia-produced Sukhoi Superjets.

Source: arka.am

Beirut airport illegally refuses to receive Armavia’s plane

Beirut’s Airport illegally refuses to receive a plane of Armavia airline and the information that the problem is related to the plane is untrue, Aysor.am was informed by the press service of Armavia.
“The plane has no technical problems. It underwent a C-Check and has just returned from abroad. At the moment the Civil Aviation Department is dealing with the problem. We hope the problem will be solved soon and the passengers will fly to Beirut. Armavia is going to demand compensation from Beirut Airport for breaking the agreement,” the airline said.
Last night a Yerevan-Beirut flight was delayed. Some passengers had to spend the night in the airport, while others went home.


Source: Aysor.am

"Armavia" finds information on VTB action to be altered

"Armavia" national airways consider information of the Russian media that VTB bank brings in an action against Armenian businessman Mikhail Baghdasarov's "Armavia" and Mika Limited (registered in Jersey Island) for USD 22 million, to be altered. As reports "Armenpress" the Press Service of "Armavia" stated: "We do not comment on information, which is apparently altered."
In accordance with the information of Russian "Izvestia" periodical VTB bank wants to get back the amount of money it gave to the air transportation company for refinancing the credit funds. The company received the credits to buy Russian Sukhoi Superjet-100 aircraft. A number of lawyers find that the bank has good chances to win, and the procedure, which launched in Jersey, is doomed to collapse. Mikhail Baghdasarov told "Izvestia" that “the credits will be paid off soon, and the action will be repealed."

Source: armenpress.am

$22 million lawsuits filed against Armenian Armavia and Mika Limited

Russian Bank VTB filed a $22 million lawsuit against Armavia and Mika Limited; both belong to the Armenian businessman Mikhail Bagdasarov.
The Russian state-owned bank is trying to return the sum it has allocated to refinance loans taken by Armavia for purchase of the Sukhoi Superjet-100 aircraft, 7or.am reported, referring to Izvestia.
In an interview with the publication, a source close to the State Bank said that the proceeding against Armavia (for $ 10 million) has been lodged with the Armenian State Arbitration Court. Mika Limited, in its turn, is going to face a proceeding over $12 million at the Royal Court of Jersey, where the company has been registered.
According to the source, the VTB's Armenian branch had allocated over $7 million to Armavia with the purpose of refinancing a loan the company had received from Ardshininvestbank for purchasing a Superjet-100 airliner (nearly $ 30 million).
Lawyers believe that the VTB has good chance of winning in a dispute with the Armavia.

Source: trend.az

Armavia owner denies debt to Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company

The owner of Armavia Mikhail Bagdasarov denied the aircompany’s debt to Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) for Sukhoi SuperJet 100 plane.
"The jet cost $20 million. We paid $16 million in advance, with $4 to be added. However, later we returned the plane. We believe we owe nothing for technical services, yet SCAC insists we are indebted $1 million in encumbrance charges," he said, noting the latters to be the responsibility of SCAC.
In August SCAC reported that Armavia owed $4million for the jet. As the Company noted, Armavia cannot return the plane the latter being encumbered by an Armenian bank, media sources say.

Source: panarmenian.net

Armavia pledges to refund Yerevan-Aleppo ticket price by yearend

Armavia Armenian airline company has operated no Yerevan-Aleppo-Yerevan flights in the past three months, with the air carrier citing Syrian-Armenians’ refusal to return to Aleppo as the reason.
However, a number of Syrian Armenians still expect Armavia to refund the price of the tickets earlier purchased.
”The price of the tickets will be refunded by the end of the year. Only 40 people are left to get their money back,” spokesperson for the national carrier Nana Avetisova told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

Armavia's rating has been stopped

The Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia has stopped rating of LLC "Armavia" Airlines on the initiative of the company. The Central Bank of Armenia informed "Armenpress" that the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia has also stopped rating of LLC “Valletta” on the Initiative of the company. The previous rating was "G-", which was granted in 25.02.2011.
The Armavia company was established in 1996, but commercial flights to Russia and Turkey only started in 2001. It is the Armenia's flag carrier with its head office on the grounds of Zvartnots International Airport in Zvartnots, Armenia, near Yerevan. It operates international passenger services from Yerevan to destinations in Europe and Asia. Its main base is Zvartnots International Airport.

Source: armenpress.am

Armavia has nothing except computers and premises

Hraparak daily reports, that Mika Baghdasarov has no other choice but to sell Armavia. However, rumors suggesting that this or that company is interested in Armavia prove not to be true later. One of the businessmen explained the reason; it is senseless to invest several million dollars in something which costs maximum several hundred thousand dollars.

“The thing is that the license of Armenia's national air carrier is expiring and those who wish to buy it can do it several months later, after buying a license. But Armavia has nothing significant except for premises, threadbare computers and office furniture,” the paper writes.

Source: aysor.am

Armavia confirmed for sale, Italians among prospectors

A spokesperson for Armenia’s “national carrier” Armavia, has confirmed that the troubled airline is for sale, and that negotiations include a potential deal with Italian buyers.

For several weeks it has been known that Armavia was most likely on the blocks. When Airitalia announced that it would begin service from Zvartnots International Airport in December, speculation circulated that Italy’s “national carrier” would be buying out Armavia.

Over the past year or more, Armavia has had disputes with management of Zvartnots, as the airline has struggled to pay its tariffs and has occasionally been grounded for brief periods.

Armavia’s Nana Avetisova told media that the Italians are among “two or three” companies expected to engage in negotiations.

Source: armenianow.com

Baghdasarov is considering to finish the sale of "Armavia" in the coming weeks

The owner of "Armavia" National Airlines Mikhail Baghdasarov is considering finishing the sale of the company in the upcoming 2-3 weeks. As reports "Armenpress" Baghdasarov has announced this in the interview to RBK daily. Among other things Mikhail Baghdasarov emphasized two main reasons, which served as the basis for selling the company. According to Mikhail Baghdasarov the main reason is the economic crisis. As to the second reason Baghdasarov underlined the damage of the company, which arouse from the exploitation of the new Russian plane SuperJet.
Baghdasarov stated: "There is nobody from the Russian Federation, who would like to buy the company, but among the potential buyers there are Italians and businessmen from the East as well."
At the same time the official representative of the CJSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft announced that in accordance with the agreement “Armavia” will continue paying off the debt for SuperJet in frames of the present leasing relations of the two companies.

Source:  armenpress.am

Paper says Armavia’s license to operate flights expiring

Armavia air company continues operation of flights with Zvartnots airport no more suspending them, Zhamanak daily reported.
Armavia has ceased reiterating that the company is on sale, with the reports claiming an Italian enterprise has expressed readiness to buy it not clarified.
Perhaps, Zvartnots-Armavia conflict is said to be the reason behind Italian side’s reluctance to purchase the Armenian air company.
However, Armavia owner Mikhail Bagdasarov had better consider selling the company, given the fact that Armavia’s license to operate flights expires next year.
Meanwhile, Armenian national air carrier’s bankruptcy wouldn’t benefit Zvartnots due to Armavia’s large number of debts, the paper says.

Source: panarmenian.net

''Armavia'' promises to compensate the costs of concealed flights to Syria

Armenia's national air carrier ''Armavia''  air company continues to refund the costs of concealed flights to Syria. ''Armavia''  company press service informed Armenpress, more than 400 Syrian Armenians have got compensation equal to the cost of the ticket, 70 people are still waiting for the return of their money.  Syrian Armenian Raffi, who has lately come to the Homeland from Syria stated in the briefing with Armenpress, ''Armavia'' company has reimbursed the cost of his three tickets out of  four .
 ''I have got another ticket else, the company has promised to return its cost in the near future'' our compatriot noted. The cases vary. Another Syrian Armenian Hakob  Martirosyan has been compensated only for one ticket. ''I frequently turn for the return of the cost of my three tickets, yet there  is no news,  they promise to compensate later''  the interlocutor stated. In the words of Firdus Zakaryan, the head of the working group dealing with Syrian Armenian issues, Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry in its turn does not abstain from relevant actions, they undertake a number of measures, have sent letter to the air company.'' The air company has made efforts reportedly the majority of the ticket holders have been compensated. The applications of the rest stakeholders are underway and will be solved down in the near future''.
According to Zakaryan currently 5000 Syrian Armenians are habiting in Armenia. ''Zvartnots'' airport in recent times regularly suspends ''Armavia''  air carrier flights due the depts. This worries not only the air carrier but its customer as well. Regular suspension of flights causes mistrust about the carrier by its customers in one hand resulting in the reduction of the passengers’ number in the other hand grow of debts.
'' Armavia''  air company suspended its flights to Syria on September 10. According to the Airline Company the flight have been suspended only for the clients’ interests after the rebels have announced they will bombard any plane passing through Syria airspace.
Currently only  "Syrian Airlines''  launches direct flight from Armenia to Syria.

Source: armenpress.am

Zvartnots center may halt operation over Armavia debts

Armavia company’s debts to Zvartnots air meteorological center currently totals AMD 94 mln, the center’s deputy director said.
“Armenia’s national air carrier must pay AMD 33 000 for each meteorological forecast; however it has failed to fulfill the obligation for the past two years. As a result, the center itself owes AMD14,5 mln to tax agencies,” Pavel Manukayn said.
Lawyer Anahit Grigoryan, in turn, said that the center will halt operation if it fails to pay the debts.
“This can’t go on like this,” she said, adding that the center will file a legal claim if necessary.
Zvartnots air meteorological center’s technical service head Garnik Petrosyan noted, “We will take ever legal measure to urge Armavia for paying off the debts. Otherwise, we will be forced to halt operation, thus resulting in suspension of flights altogether.”

Source: panarmenian.net

News on Armavia being banned from flying to Europe is inaccurate – press secretary

The Armavia Airline Company—which is Armenia’s national carrier—is conducting its flights without any problems, Company Press Secretary Nana Avetisova told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
She was surprised to hear the question as to whether it is true that the EU member countries have warned Armenia that they no longer intend on serving Armenian, specifically the Armavia Airline Company, flights. “This is just another lie,” Avetisova stated.   
She stressed that Armavia is one of the most law-abiding airline companies, that it adheres to all international aviation rules, and it passed yet again The Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IATA IOSA). “Armavia meets the standards on all points,” Nana Avetisova said.    
As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, the EU member countries have warned Armenia that they no longer intend on serving Armenian, specifically the Armavia Airline Company flights, Zhoghovurd daily’s well-informed sources reported.
“And the reason is that the Armenian flights do not meet the safety standards, in addition, they are disrupted regularly. 
According to our sources, the Armenian General Department of Civil Aviation has asked for time to correct the safety-related deficiencies, but they have left Armavia’s fate to the Europeans.
In an interview with us, General Department of Civil Aviation spokeswoman Nelly Cherchinyan, however, denied this news,” Zhoghovurd wrote.

Source: news.am

Paper: EU countries unwilling to service Armavia flights

According to Zhoghovurd daily, EU-member countries have warned Armenia against a decision not to service RA, particularly Armavia air company flights, claiming they don’t meet the security standards and are regularly suspended.
General Department of Civil Aviation of Armenia (GDCA) has requested for time to fix the security problems, with the Europeans to decide on Armavia’s future.
Nelly Cherchinyan, GDCA spokesperson, however, denied the reports.

Source: panarmenian.net

Armavia flights resumed

Armenian Zvartnots International Airport resumed services rendered to Armavia flights on  Tuesday afternoon, airport’s spokesperson Gevorg Abrahamyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
The air company promised to transfer $150 thousand reducing its debt to the airport to $3 million 150 thousand. Unless company pays the debt, the flights will be grounded again.
On Tuesday morning the flights were suspended as Armavia exceeded the maximum limit allowed by the working contract.
The conflict between Armavia and Zvartnots International Airports continues for several months. Zvartnots had suspended Armavia’s flights a number of times for exceeding the limit for outstanding debts, but the parties had come to an agreement as a result of negotiations.

Source: news.am

Zvartnots serves Armavia flights – airport spokesman

Zvartnots airport is providing proper services to Armavia air company today, Oct 22, the airport’s spokesman said.
As Gevorg Abrahamyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, debt calculations are currently being made, with the answers to all the questions to be specified tomorrow.
Armavia, in turn, noted that it is paying its debts to the airport on daily basis.
Earlier, Armavia conditioned the suspension of Zvartnots airport’s services to the air company by the airport’s disapproval of the new shareholder.
Meanwhile, Zvartnots noted the national carrier’s debts as the main reason behind the airport’s decision to halt servicing of the air company flights. The amount of Armavia’s debt exceeded the sum agreed on for over $1 million, bringing the total debt to $3,360 million.
As Armenian media outlets reported earlier, either owner of Zvartnots airport, Argentinean Armenian entrepreneur Eduardo Eurnekian, or Armenian president’s son-in-law Mikael Minasyan planned to purchase Armavia. However, Eurnekian denied the rumors later.

Source: panarmenian.net