December 10, 2002 - 22:08 AMT
REGIONAL CENTER FOR WESTERN AIRLINERS MAINTENANCE BEING FORMED IN ARMENIA
A regional center for maintenance of airliners of Western type is being formed in Armenia with the assistance of German "Lufthansa" and Russian "Siberia" air companies. As reported by "Arminfo" agency, it was declared by director of "Siberia" air company Vladislav Filyov, who had arrived in Yerevan to participate in the presentation of "Armenia" international airport. In his words, full maintenance of airliners like "Airbus" will be arranged in Armenia. By the way, an offer has been received from Tbilisi to maintain A-319 Georgian liner in Yerevan. Filyov did not rule out the opportunity of receiving such suggestions from Iran and even from Azerbaijan. As the Siberian air company director noted, special high custom duties in Russia do not let import and exploit Western airliners there. The absence of the problem in Armenia, in his words, provides an exceptional opportunity for creating a regional maintenance center here. Vladislav Filyov also informed that at present "Siberia" airline continued negotiating with the Armenian government on further activation of the functioning of "Armavia" company, 70% of shares of which are owned by the Russian party. The supply of the second A-320 airliner is expected in January.