Air carriers suffer losses: passenger traffic in Armenia decreased by 10%

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Passenger turnover in Armenia decreased 10% in the first months of 2009 as compared to 2008 results," Siberian Airways General Representative Mushegh Sayadyan told PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. Mr. Sayadyan is not sure whether the financial crisis or dram devaluation are responsible for the situation.





"Though Armenia no longer has fuel delivery problems, dram devaluation caused 20-25% increase in air ticket price," Mushegh Sayadyan noted. "The Law on State Due, stipulating inclusion of air tax into the ticket price served as additional psychological barriers to consumers. The Law will come into force from Mar 29. 2009."



"Unemployment level increase in Russia entailed the cut in flights to Moscow, where the Armenians were guest working. These days people can afford less trips and visits to their relatives, which ensued in 50% losses. Though of course, people who travel on business won't be able to cancel their tips, reluctant though they feel about the changes introduced," Mr. Sayadyan concluded.