NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL OPENS IN ARMENIA
/News/article-121868.html
12 June 2007
Armenia is one of the top emerging economies in the Caucasus. With its
strategic geographical location, this country is the historical gateway
between Asia and Europe, a bridge between the East and West. In the
last few years, Armenian economy has grown spectacularly, along with
the number of business opportunities. Moreover, thanks to its rich
historical and cultural heritage, the country has become a popular
tourist destination with a higher growth potential within the region.
In 2002 Armenia International Airports decided to start the renovation
and extension works of Zvartnots International Airport, in Yerevan,
the country’s capital. After less than 40 months, the new terminal has
just been opened, with the intention of becoming a link for tourism
and commerce between Asia and Europe.
Armenia International Airports, the company in charge of the
management, aim to turn Zvartnots into an international centre
connecting Armenia with the world and opening the country to foreign
visitors. Road infrastructure in Armenia is currently being surpassed
by the ever-increasing trade traffic within this region of the
Caucasus. In spite of the efforts made by the Armenian government to
improve their national road network, the country’s short-term business
goals will depend mainly on air transport.
Improvements at Zvartnots will involve a total investment of â~B¬164
million for the next 30 years. Armenia International Airports has
already allocated over 70 million to the first phase, which included
a 19,200 sq m extension of the premises and a refurbishment of around
45,000 sq m.
Now, the first phase is complete, the airport boasts a 54,000 sq m
runway and 45,000 sq m of building. In addition, a new terminal was
created that occupies a 25,000 sq m area.
After completing the project, the company expects that the airport
will achieve a passenger-traffic of over 2 million people in its first
year. In order to adapt to the forthcoming increase in visitors, new
parking has been created, with capacity for 1,000 vehicles. In terms
of freight transport, Armenia International Airports has fitted-out
a new cargo terminal, which can house a variety of cargo and has
capacity for 100,000 tons per year.
34 international airlines will now operate from Zvartnots, connecting
Yerevan and Armenia to the world’s most important cities, including
London. Altogether around 60 routes will be scheduled to fly from
Zvartnots.
High security, technology, and comfort
In order to comply with the international air regulations, Armenia
International Airports has made a great effort to improve security
at Zvartnots. Among other measures, 150 surveillance cameras have
been installed in the premises, both inside the buildings and in
open spaces.
The modernisation effort has been significant, including the
implementation of an innovative flight information display system
(FIDS) as well as new automated and biometric-identification systems
for baggage check-in and passenger control. Also all buildings are
now equipped with Wi-Fi Internet connection.
In addition, the company has focused attention on improving visitors’
comfort within the premises. Arrivals hall capacity has been doubled
to reach a volume over 1,000 passengers per hour, and passenger
management will be streamlined between three and four-fold thanks to
a substantial extension of the customs points.
Finally, the renovation of the airport’s relax areas and restaurants
has been extensive, together with the enhancement of the Duty Free
shops’ product offering.
–Boundary_(ID_6fai2xmj9kxrG4sBXeEPyg)- –