PM holds consultation on development of civil aviation

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today held a consultation to discuss ways of developing civil aviation in Armenia and identify the challenges faced in this area.

"We are going to discuss the draft conceptual program for the development of civil aviation in the Republic of Armenia in order to determine which strategic direction we should pursue in developing civil aviation. I have had several occasions to state that having efficient national air carriers is a key component of the government's development policy. And, of course, our common goal and desire is to have Armenian companies on the aviation market. Note that we should not confuse the concepts: the viability of the former systems and mechanisms still has to be discussed, but the fact that we need carriers flying with Armenia's national colors cannot be questioned. Another question is with what strategy, tactics and roadmap we should achieve this goal," Nikol Pashinyan said.

According to the Prime Minister, in order to achieve the goal, it is necessary to take well-devised and consistent steps. "Of course, our priority task is not to interfere with the normal operations of civil aviation and to be sure that as a result of the decisions made and policies adopted, we will not face the same situation as with the Armenian Airlines and Armavia, whose fate was a blow to our civil aviation and the Republic of Armenia's self-confidence in this area. And this should be recognized. But on the other hand, we strategically need competitive carriers, capable of competing with each other and with their international competitors. We must proceed with well devised and consistent steps, and I do believe that today's discussion ushers in the outset of this path," the Head of Government emphasized.

During the meeting, a draft concept note on the development of civil aviation in Armenia was presented. The activities and programs specified in that paper will serve as a basis for developing civil aviation-related policies, clarifying the functions and responsibilities of relevant state agencies, reforming the applicable legal framework and developing a specific action plan to that effect.

A number of proposals and recommendations were voiced during the exchange of views that followed. Nikol Pashinyan instructed the heads of relevant government departments to follow up the discussion of stakeholders' proposals.