Armenian Civil Aviation Committee under heightened scrutiny of European Union
16.12.2019,
16:20
In a comment on the European Union's decision to put the Armenian Civil Aviation Committee under heightened scrutiny because of signs of a decrease in safety oversight, the head of the agency, Tatevik Revazyan said to a news conference today that the main problems are related to the organization of air transportation and coordination of the activities of Armenian airlines, as well as to some legislative gaps.
YEREVAN, December 16. /ARKA/. In a comment on the European Union's decision to put the Armenian Civil Aviation Committee under heightened scrutiny because of signs of a decrease in safety oversight, the head of the agency, Tatevik Revazyan said to a news conference today that the main problems are related to the organization of air transportation and coordination of the activities of Armenian airlines, as well as to some legislative gaps.
She said the problems in the air transportation area have existed for more than a decade. 'We are doing everything possible to solve them and we managed to thwart the inclusion of Armenia in the EU's " black list", but only until May, when a decision will be made, based on the success of the ongoing aviation reforms in our country," said Revazyan.
She said the bulk of these problems emerged after the airlines operating in Armenia applied for permissions to launch regular flights to European destinations.
“In fact, for a long time these problems were frozen and were “reanimated” these days because of the growing interest in Armenia. The European Commission noticed these problems having tightened control," she said.
Revazyan emphasized the need to increase the oversight functions of the Civil Aviation Committee, saying it may form also its own budget by offering a number of paid services, following the example of several European countries.
“We provide licenses for free, but we can set a certain price. In this way, we can create our own budget, which will allow us to offer higher salaries and attract skilled professionals. After all, many problems stem from low salaries," she said.
According to EU Transport Commission, at present, only two airlines are registered in Armenia: Aircompany Armenia, and 2019 start-up Armenia Airways. Taron-Avia, a third airline, recently suspended operations due to financial insolvency. -0-
She said the problems in the air transportation area have existed for more than a decade. 'We are doing everything possible to solve them and we managed to thwart the inclusion of Armenia in the EU's " black list", but only until May, when a decision will be made, based on the success of the ongoing aviation reforms in our country," said Revazyan.
She said the bulk of these problems emerged after the airlines operating in Armenia applied for permissions to launch regular flights to European destinations.
“In fact, for a long time these problems were frozen and were “reanimated” these days because of the growing interest in Armenia. The European Commission noticed these problems having tightened control," she said.
Revazyan emphasized the need to increase the oversight functions of the Civil Aviation Committee, saying it may form also its own budget by offering a number of paid services, following the example of several European countries.
“We provide licenses for free, but we can set a certain price. In this way, we can create our own budget, which will allow us to offer higher salaries and attract skilled professionals. After all, many problems stem from low salaries," she said.
According to EU Transport Commission, at present, only two airlines are registered in Armenia: Aircompany Armenia, and 2019 start-up Armenia Airways. Taron-Avia, a third airline, recently suspended operations due to financial insolvency. -0-
