Transportation Monitor Worldwide
 Friday


Armenian Americans urge FFA to launch non-stop flights to Armenia


The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has called upon the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to facilitate the launch of
non-stop flights from the United States to the Republic of Armenia
easing transit for tourists, speeding up business travel and cargo
movement - while deepening the bilateral ties between two friendly
nations.

In a letter shared on the eve of Armenian Independence Day, ANCA
Chairman Raffi Hamparian encouraged Acting FAA Administrator Dan
Elwell to engage with Armenias civil aviation authorities on concrete
steps toward this powerful new connection between the American and
Armenian peoples.

Travel to Armenia marked double-digit growth over the past year, with
the demand for flights from the United States to Armenia continuing to
grow - driving tourism as a major engine of Armenias prosperity.
Currently, travelers from the U.S. need to purchase tickets using
connecting flights on foreign carriers, often with long layovers. This
effort is intended to create an effortless, convenient and speedy
connection in getting from one country to the other.

The ANCA is leading the effort to establish non-stop flights from the
United States to Armenia, shared longtime ANCA leader Zanku Armenian,
who has years of professional experience in aviation matters. The time
is ripe for the FAA and Civil Aviation Authorities in Armenia to
create a favorable legal and regulatory environment and foster
engagement with commercial stakeholders empowering the private sector
to initiate profitable non-stop flights. With a concerted effort by
both governments, we are optimistic that a private air carrier will
step forward to launch non-stop flights from Los Angeles or New York
to Yerevan. The demand for air travel from the United States to
Armenia is strong and growing. While this is an ambitious initiative
by the ANCA that was started well before the recent positive changes
in Armenia, the timing now is particularly favorable to establish a
new dimension to the bonds between our two countries, added Armenian.

Once government hurdles are cleared, the private carrier that steps
forward to establish this new non-stop route will enjoy the long-term
business benefits by being a first-mover on such an opportunity. This
is why the ANCA has been initiating dialogue with various U.S.
federal, state and local authorities and private sector parties to
advocate for this game-changing idea. 2018 Global Data Point.