Friday, 9 June 2017
“31 percent increase in airborne passenger traffic over the first five months of 2017” - PM Visits General Department of Civil Aviation
Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan visited the General Department of Civil Aviation (GDCA) to get acquainted with the developments in the aviation industry and discuss the upcoming projects.
Karen Karapetyan first called at the aerodrome and air traffic control centers, where he was briefed on their activities. The Premier was told that an unprecedented rise in the airborne passenger traffic was recorded in 2016, reaching the mark of 2 million 117 thousand. The passenger and freight traffic continued upwards into the first five months of 2017, boasting 31% and 82% increases respectively.
The General Department of Civil Aviation is negotiating with air carriers and investors to launch regular cargo transportations from Armenia. In an effort to involve new airlines and increase the frequency of flights and the route network, the GDCA is endeavoring to improve the business environment by simplifying the permitting process, shrinking the list of the documents required, as well as by introducing an online system for the receipt of applications and ticket sales that will make the process more transparent and controllable. The Department is revising the complex of interstate agreements. Talks are underway on a comprehensive air transport agreement with the European Union.
Stressing the importance of the aforementioned activities, the Prime Minister instructed to work out and submit to the Government clear recommendations on the development of the aviation sector, taking into account the worldwide trends in this area.
The current status of Armenia’s airports is being evaluated in order to work out a small aviation development program. Karen Karapetyan noted that given the ever-growing demand for small aviation, the GDCA needs to pick out a primary set of target destinations.
“We need to study the trends of air traffic, the state of public transport, the potential of individual destinations and the tariff policy possibilities. I am sure that sooner or later small aviation will become a must and call for wider geographical coverage. We should be ready and have a vision of development,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
With reference to taxi services provided at Zvartnots airport, the Head of Government stated in part, “There is a need for very strict control: we should not treat everyone the same way. Distinction has to be made in this matter, since some of the drivers are working normally.”
Karen Karapetyan highlighted the need for increasing the number of info service centers, which should offer agents, translators and means of conveyance. “We must offer alternative modern services,” he said.
The meeting looked at the launch of a transport route from Zvartnots airport though to the center of Yerevan and, in this context, discussed the cooperation between the Government, the City Hall and the management of the airport. Reference was made to the 2021-2023 Zvartnots Airport Development Program.
