Thursday, April 27 2017 13:11

ArmInfo. The growth of the  segment of Russian air carriers on the Armenian market is conditioned  by the growth of demand. Head of the General Department of Civil  Aviation of Armenia Sergey Avetisyan stated this at the request of  journalists on April 27, commenting on the dominant position of the  Russian air carriers, which led to a rise in prices, and, as a  result, to the flight of Armenian passengers to neighboring Georgia,  where flights to the countries Far abroad are much cheaper.

"If there is a demand for the European direction tomorrow, I am sure  that the frequency of flights carried out by European air carriers  and the number of European airlines will increase," said Sergey  Avetisyan. He noted that the Russian direction is a priority for  Armenian travelers.

To note, on October 23, 2013, the Armenian government approved the  "Program for ensuring the provision of competitive and long-term air  transportation services in Armenia," based on a joint study of the  company McKinsey & Company and the National Competitiveness  Foundation of Armenia, as a result of which national carriers ceased  operations. In fact, at present only newly established airline  "Armenia" continues the regular flights in a number of directions.  And that, with the growth in the number of Russian airlines, and  especially the "Pobeda" lowcoster, faced certain difficulties.

The main goal of the "Open Skies" policy was the abolition of all  restrictions with regard to both the frequency of flights and  directions, as well as airlines wishing to fly to Armenia. As a  result of Open Skies policy and effective implementation of the  program, in comparison with the current situation over the next 3-4  years, it was expected to provide additional GDP of $ 0.3-0.4  billion, creation of 18,000-23,000 new jobs, mainly in Air travel and  tourism, an increase in the volume of passenger transportation by  20-25%, and a decrease in ticket prices of about 10%.

To recall, in early 2013, Armavia went bankrupt as a result of unfair  competition and pressure from Russian airlines. Armenia remained  without a national air carrier. "Air Armenia" also had problems  because of Russian companies and their dominant position in the local  market. The company went bankrupt. Today, the new small national  company, Armenia, specializing mainly in the Russian sector,  functions in the air market.