Air transport market being liberalized in Armenia

At the government session today, Armenian Minister of Economy Vahram Avanesian presented the strategy of developing the air transport market.

According to him, the program is aimed at regulation of the aviation sector, full liberalization of Armenia’s aviation, and implementation of structural changes in the sector. A working group will be set up. Besides, it is planned to establish criteria for licensing of domestic airlines.

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said the issue sparked heated debates, during which conflicting opinions and approaches – from strict regulation to full liberalization of the air transportation market - were expressed.

In the prime minister’s words, experts of the famous McKinsey & Company helped develop the concept. As a result, a strategy of air transport sector has been worked out. The strategy was discussed twice at consultations conducted by Armenian president.
“Armenia should take a road of liberalization so as to encourage GDP growth, create jobs and make air transportation services more comfortable, at lower prices,” the head of government stated, noting that these goals and ways of their achievement underlie the strategy.

The prime minister called on interested parties to work with experts of McKinsey & Company and bring the document into line with Armenian laws.