ARMENIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS: OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT IN ARMENIA

M2 Presswire
June 11, 2007

Zvartnots to Build Bridge between East and West; United Kingdom, among
the 60 routes scheduled from this airport, where 34 international
airlines will operate; Over 2 million passengersexpectedto use
thisrenovated airport in its first year; Renovation and extension
works at Zvartnots airport have involved an investment of *164 million.

M2 PRESSWIRE-JUNE 11, 2007-Armenia International Airports: Opening of
the New Airport in Armenia; Zvartnots to Build Bridge between East
and West; United Kingdom, among the 60 routes scheduled from this
airport, where 34 international airlines will operate; Over 2 million
passengersexpectedto use thisrenovated airport in its first year;
Renovation and extension works at Zvartnots airport have involved an
investment of *164 million ©1994-2007 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

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.

Zvartnots in figures

Improvements at Zvartnots will involve a total investment of
*164million for the next 30 years. Armenia International Airports has
already allocated over 70million to the first phase, which included
a 19,200sqm extension of the premises and a refurbishment of around
45,000sqm.

Now, the first phase is complete, the airport boasts a 54,000sqm
runway and 45,000sqm of building. In addition, a new terminal was
created that occupies a 25,000sqm 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 100,000tons 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.

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