Armenian national carrier Fly Arna to acquire second aircraft

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian national carrier Fly Arna is in the process of acquiring its second aircraft to accommodate plans to expand the scope of destinations.

In June, the airline launched its first commercial flights in two directions – Yerevan-Hurgada and Yerevan-Sharm El-Sheikh, Fly Arna spokesperson Gayane Antonyan said in an interview with Armenpress.

Asked why Fly Arna chose Hurgada and Sharm El-Sheikh – two destinations offered by other airlines in Armenia – instead of launching new directions, Antonyan said: “As the new national carrier of Armenia, from the very beginning we had the goal of connecting Armenia with various countries and cities across the world and we are committed to this path. Hurgada and Sharm El-Sheikh are our maiden destinations. We will not be limited with these destinations and we will connect Armenia with all other in-demand directions. Very soon the results of our team’s work will be visible.”

“Since 2020, all Armenian airlines have been banned from entering the EU airspace due to being blacklisted by the EU aviation authorities. Antonyan said Fly Arna is now working with the Armenian civil aviation committee to introduce its international experience in improving flight standards and aviation safety.

Until the second aircraft arrives, Fly Arna is now using an Airbus A320. It is a 174-seat plane, with an 81 cm distance between the seats 81cm.

The carrier offers free SkyTime streaming services to passengers, which will be expanded together with expanding destinations, by offering videos and information on Armenia’s history, sightseeing, etc.

Most of the menu is Armenian-made food and drinks. The pilots and crew also speak Armenian.

One of the frequently asked questions coming from passengers is the meaning of the name Fly Arna. Antonyan said Fly Arna is simply the abbreviation of “Armenian National Airlines”.

Fly Arna now employs 70 people but plans to expand the team. More than 80% are Armenians. Both Armenian and foreign maintenance specialists work at Fly Arna.