Former Civil Aviation chief: Armenia should launch its own budget airline

YEREVAN, Armenia – A former head of the Chief Civil Aviation Department Shahen Petrosyan says Armenia should found its own low-cost airline. Speaking to reporters today he said this will require an initial investment of $50 million, an amount that will be enough to acquire 3-4 aircraft for operating domestic flights.

He says to reduce the cost of tickets the airline should have an own fuel supply system. Also the government should support it to enjoy service benefits at Zvartnots airport.

“This policy would allow to reduce prices for two-way tickets to Europe to $400; tickets to Moscow would cost $200 and tickets to Tehran -$350,’ Petrosyan says.

A lately established ‘Armenia’ airline said earlier this week will launch its maiden flight on April 21 and the destinations are Israel and Russia. The founders of the airline are Ashot Torosyan (51%), Tamaz Gaiashvili (25%) and Robert Hovhannisyan (24%).

Acting on a recommendation by McKinsey & Company and the National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia the Armenian government liberalized the domestic civil aviation sector in 2013 October saying that all local and foreign airlines meeting safety standards will be allowed to fly to and from Armenia without special authorizations or other restrictions.

At the end of 2015 Aegean Airways, Georgian Airways, Iraqi Airways, Al Naser, Mahan Air, Middle East Airways, S7 Airlines, Czech and LOT airlines were operating flights to and from Armenia. Qatar Airways said recently it would commence four-time weekly non-stop flights between Doha and Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, from May 15