By Wally Sarkeesian,(YEREVAN) It might surprise many of the Armenian Diaspora used to hearing about institutional shortcomings in Armenia’s government services, but the aviation regulator (the General Department of Civil Aviation, and air traffic control agency ARMATS is comparable or better than many of the world’s developed nations, according to the UN’s aviation watchdog, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Both Armenian agencies are based at Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan.
Ranked at an impressive 85% compliance with ICAO’s international standards, this better than Sweden (84%) and Turkey (84%) and just below that of Germany (90%) and the United States (91%). By comparison, Russia has a rating of only 71% and Azerbaijan has a lowly 43%. In fact an earlier audit of Armenia in 2007 had awarded an even higher score at 96% to Armenia, one of the best in the world!
According to visiting ICAO Regional Officer Air Traffic Management Len Wicks, Armenians should recognise the excellent work by the aviation regulator and ARMATS to provide a safe and efficient aviation system. He particularly noted the modern air traffic control system that ARMATS had installed, which was able to manage all current air traffic demands safely and efficiently. Mr. Wicks expected that more flights would operate through Armenian airspace, especially given the conflicts affecting many of the neighbouring nations.
ARMATS Director General Artur Gasparyan agreed that Armenia was fully capable of handling much more air traffic and even the future ‘free flight’ environment planned by Europe. Armenia is a member of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL), unlike Azerbaijan.
Armenia has managed, despite all the difficulties for a small nation, to develop an excellent aviation system to safely welcome travellers like tourists, businessmen and diaspora to landlocked Armenia. It’s something all Armenians can be proud of.
Gagrule.net like to Thank All leadership of “Armats” Armenian air navigation service for the great hospitality
Mr. Len Wicks for his expertise,
and Liana Vardanian for assisting with the Interview.