Air Armenia was an airline based in Yerevan, Armenia, which was founded in 2003. The airline was initially established as a charter airline, and it later expanded to offer scheduled passenger services to a number of destinations. Air Armenia operated flights to several cities in Europe and the Middle East, including Moscow, Tehran, Beirut, and Dubai. However, the airline ceased operations in 2015, citing financial difficulties. Check also all Armenia airports.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of Air Armenia, including its history, fleet, destinations, and services. We will also discuss the reasons behind the airline’s closure and its impact on the aviation industry in Armenia.
History
Air Armenia was founded in 2003 by Tamaz Gaiashvili, an Armenian businessman. The airline started its operations as a charter airline, providing flights to destinations in Europe and the Middle East. In 2013, the airline received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Armenian Civil Aviation Authority, which allowed it to operate scheduled passenger services.
The airline’s fleet initially consisted of a single Boeing 737-500 aircraft. However, over the years, Air Armenia expanded its fleet to include several other aircraft, such as Airbus A320 and A319. The airline also operated cargo flights using Antonov An-12 and Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft.
Destinations
Air Armenia operated scheduled passenger services to several destinations in Europe and the Middle East. The airline’s network included destinations such as Moscow, Tehran, Beirut, Dubai, and Athens. Air Armenia also operated seasonal flights to popular tourist destinations, such as Antalya and Sharm el-Sheikh.
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The airline’s hub was located at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Armenia. Air Armenia also had a secondary hub at Shirak International Airport in Gyumri, Armenia.
Services
Air Armenia offered its passengers a range of services, including in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and a selection of meals and beverages. The airline also provided special assistance to passengers with disabilities or special needs.
Air Armenia had a frequent flyer program called “Sky Team,” which offered its members various benefits such as free flights, upgrades, and lounge access.
Fleet
Air Armenia’s fleet consisted of a mix of Boeing, Airbus, Antonov, and Ilyushin aircraft. The airline operated the following aircraft:
- Boeing 737-500
- Airbus A319-100
- Airbus A320-200
- Antonov An-12
- Ilyushin Il-76
The airline’s Boeing 737-500 was the backbone of its fleet, and it operated several of these aircraft for both scheduled and charter flights.
Closure
In 2015, Air Armenia ceased operations, citing financial difficulties. The airline had been facing financial problems for several years, and it was unable to pay its debts to its creditors. The Armenian government tried to provide financial assistance to the airline, but it was unable to save it from bankruptcy.
Air Armenia’s closure was a significant blow to the aviation industry in Armenia. The airline was one of only two Armenian airlines, and its closure left Armenia with only one airline, Armenia Airways. Air Armenia’s closure also had a negative impact on the country’s economy, as it led to a decrease in tourism and business opportunities.
Air Armenia was an airline that operated scheduled and charter flights to destinations in Europe and the Middle East. The airline had a fleet of Boeing, Airbus, Antonov, and Ilyushin aircraft, and it offered its passengers a range of services, including in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi. However, the airline faced financial difficulties and ceased operations in 2015.
Air Armenia’s closure was a significant blow to the aviation industry in Armenia and had a negative impact on the country’s economy. The airline had played an important role in connecting Armenia to the rest of the world, and its closure left a gap in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
Despite Air Armenia’s closure, the Armenian government has made efforts to develop the country’s aviation industry. In 2016, the government established Armenia Airways, a new airline that operates scheduled and charter flights to various destinations to Europe and to Asian Airports. The government has also invested in the development of the country’s airports and air traffic control infrastructure.
Armenia Airways currently operates a small fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft and offers flights to destinations such as Moscow, Tehran, Beirut, and Dubai. The airline has also announced plans to expand its network to other destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
In addition to Armenia Airways, there are also several international airlines that operate flights to and from Armenia. These include airlines such as Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Flydubai. These airlines provide important connections between Armenia and the rest of the world, and they have helped to maintain the country’s links to the global economy.
Air Armenia was an important airline that played a significant role in connecting Armenia to the rest of the world. The airline’s closure was a significant blow to the country’s aviation industry and its economy. However, the Armenian government has made efforts to develop the country’s aviation infrastructure, and the establishment of Armenia Airways has helped to fill the gap left by Air Armenia’s closure. With continued investment and development, Armenia’s aviation industry has the potential to continue to grow and contribute to the country’s economic development