David Tsukerman. Exclusively to VK
Recently many well-known information agencies published information that the national airline company of Armenia – Armavia – rejected Russian SuperJet-100 planes which had been ordered early and are considered to be best passenger planes of Russia's reviving air industry. At first, this information seemed to be fake and an attempt by enemies to exaggerate insignificant disputes between the airline company and the producer. However, the issue turned into a serious case and both
SuperJets of the Armenian air company are situated in Zhukovski.
It is notable that, right after sales opened, Armavia was fast to order the SuperJet-100. Such alertness made us think that Armavia’s business was on a roll and it needed to extend its airplane fleet. At the same time, this order perfectly supported the producer’s image – the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft. However, exports of the airplane have been postponed several times, and the administration of Armavia expressed dissatisfaction, but stated that it understood the situation.
On April 21, 2011, the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 made its first regular flight from Yerevan to Moscow under the flag of the Armenian national airline company. The plane was named after Yuri Gagarin. It is interesting that Armavia launched “Yuri Gagarin” in an unprecedentedly short period – two days after getting the plane. It means the company indeed needed essentially new planes. By the way, during the first flight of “Gagarin” engine problems were revealed.
Despite technical bugs, which are normal according to experts, the administration of Armavia stated that it was satisfied with the plane and looking forward to getting the second airplane. While waiting for it, the airline company was using “Gagarin” intensively for flights to Western Europe, the UAE, and the CIS countries. The plane had 1870 hours of flights in one year, implemented 760 flights and carried more than 48 thousand passengers.
And in this context, information appeared that Armavia was refusing to buy the second plane, and then it was stated that it was refusing the first machine. At that moment, “Gagarin” was situated in Zhukovski. Meanwhile, Armavia spread information that it intends to buy an Airbus – A320 and two Boeings - the 737-700 and 737-800. Furthermore, the administration of Armavia complained about its disappointment in cooperation with the SCA.
Initially, the SCA administration didn’t comment on the situation, trying to settle it peacefully. The official representative of the SCA, Andrey Muravyov, confirmed that both Armavia’s planes are situated in the SCA. He stated that no official documents on rejection of the contract by the airline company were received by the manufacturer. But several days later the vice-president of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, Yevgeny Konjkov, noted that the contract requires that the producer can demand forfeits from Armavia for both planes.
Then, unofficial information about a million dollars was spread. However, no actual activities followed the mutual accusations.
The majority of experts believe that Armavia refused to exploit the SuperJet because of the economic situation of the company. The company was forbidden to fly to Russia because of its debts for air-navigation service amounting to $200 thousand. Last Thursday new disputes between Armavia and the Yerevan airport Zvartnots appeared. The reason for the conflict is Armavia’s debts. Time will tell whether rejecting the SuperJet will help Armavia to fix its situation or not.
