We have to work to increase the geography of flights and to attract budgetary airlines, said Karen Karapetyan.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan was introduced the results of the implementation of the priority tasks and measures of the General Department of Civil Aviation under the Government of Armenia in 2017 and plans for 2018 during the consultation held in the government.

Head of the Department Sergey Avetisyan reported that all priority programs and activities for the previous year were implemented. Since December 7, 2017 the concept of "Free Route Airspace" has been introduced in the airspace of the Republic of Armenia from 00:00 to 06:00 pm, over 9 thousand 5 hundred meters. With the EUROCONTROL organization's network administrator, the issues of implementing the concept were discussed and appropriate solutions were provided. According to the document, the airlines will be able to access the airspace of Armenia from each set point and carry out the flight through freely chosen route, which, according to Avetisyan, can reduce the cost of the flights, significantly reducing the fuel costs.

The provision of air permits for the implementation of air services to local and foreign airlines have been simplified and upgraded, the list of required documents and the deadline for the permits have been reduced and one window principle has been introduced. The Department has initiated an online filing system for airline companies to improve business environment and simplify procedures. An online application for software development has already been launched with a company that has won the tender for the introduction of the system. A flexible tariff discount policy is applied for the new airlines operating at "Zvartnots" airport.

"We need to understand what our weak points are and what we need to do to make the flow of passengers even bigger. The number one problem to which we should direct our efforts is to increase the geography of flights. Secondly, we have to evaluate the steps we can take to attract budgetary airlines. When we find our problem areas and work on them, we will be able to increase geography, and flights will be more successful, "Karen Karapetyan underscored.

The head of the government considered necessary the development of small aviation and especially attached importance to the launch of Meghri flights, taking into account the existence of a free economic zone. "We must have a small aviation development plan in several points and directions," the prime minister said.

Sergey Avetisyan reported that studies in the field of small aviation have been conducted to evaluate the conditions of the targeted airports and make definite calculations. Additionally, the board works with private partners for possible cooperation.

Prime Minister Karapetyan attached importance to the steps taken by different international airlines to develop Yerevan as a transit route and gave clear commitments. The head of the government also instructed to clearly outline the 2018 plan and targets for expansion of air routes, increase of passenger flows, involvement of budgetary aviation, small aviation development.

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