Owner of ‘Armavia’: Armenia needs non-standard economic leader who
would reduce taxes

2008-11-08 13:13:00

ArmInfo. Reduction of the ‘air tax’ will make it more efficient, owner
of the national air carrier "Armavia" Mikhail Bagdasarov told
journalists. He said the present high ‘air tax’ does not allow to open
flights in such direction, important for Armenia, as Tbilisi and
Stepanakert.

‘We have recently talked on this topic to the Finance Minister of
Armenia, and I spoke out against inclusion of the ‘air tax’ in the
ticket cost at the rate of the previous 10,000 drams. If this happens,
no one will then remember about the government’s decision, but everyone
will say that ‘Armavia’ tickets became more expensive’, M. Bagdasarov
said. The topicality of the issue worsens by the fact that a
possibility of opening of flights to Tbilisi and Stepanakert opens.
‘Presently, it is unprofitable to fly there as the ticket cost will
make up $40 – 50 and the ‘air tax’ – $35′, M. Bagdasarov said. He
thinks that reduction of taxes twice will essentially enhance the
efficiency of its collection, as possible stealage will considerable
reduce. ‘We agree for the ‘air tax’ to be included in the ticket cost
but at the rate of 3-5 thousand drams at least. If this amount is
included in the ticket cost, it will be more difficult to hide it
further’ , – M. Bagdasarov emphasized.

As he said, to carry out the indicated actions, Armenia needs an
economic leader who would be able to make a non-standard decision on
tax reduction in a non-standard situation.