$105 MLN TO BE INVESTED IN ZVARTNOTS WITHIN NEXT TWO YEARS

$105 MLN TO BE INVESTED IN ZVARTNOTS WITHIN NEXT TWO YEARS

YEREVAN, AUGUST 25. ARMINFO. Thursday, Armenian Government approved
the changed Master-plan submitted by the manager of the Yerevan
international airport “Zvartnots” Corporacion America.

Head of General Department of Civil Aviation of the Republic of
Armenia Artem Movsisian informed journalists, the first stage of the
Master-plan for the next two years worth $105 mln was approved. The
first stage supposes completion of the construction of the new
passenger terminal till the end of 2007. The necessity of making
changes in the Master-plan of the manager approved by the government
as far back as 2003, which cost $84 mln, was connected with the
unexpected high growth of the passenger traffic.

According to Movsisian, 1.089 mln passengers were conveyed by air
transport of the republic in 2004, which 23.6% higher than the showing
of last year.

Movsisian connects the growth of the number of the passengers with the
tourism development in Armenia, as well as with the growth of the
standard of living. Last year the number of the flights increased
mainly to Europe (by 26%) and Near East (by 14%). The growth of the
flights towards Russia in average made up 10%, he said.

The head of the GDCA informed that the program of the Corporacion
America is divided into three phases and its total cost is $230 mln.
AT the second stage (in 2008-2020) the manager plans to invest $104
mln for construction of one more passenger terminal, which will serve
only for departure of passengers. And $21 mln investments are to be
made during the third phase (20021-2030), these funds will be directed
to cover the expenses on operation and keeping of the airport. The
approval of the second and third phases of the investment program of
the manager will depend on the successful fulfillment of the first
stage and prices for services of the airport.

Artem Movsisian informed ARMINFO that 40% of the investments are the
own funds of the manager, and 60% – loans of international banks. He
added net profit of Corporacion America is about $10 mln per year.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress