Armenian International Airways
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Gagik Tsarukyan, Versandik Hakobyan, Hrayr Hakobyan, Levon Baghdasaryan |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Fate | Merged into Armavia |
| Headquarters | Yerevan , Armenia |
Area served | Western Europe |
Key people | Gagik Tsarukyan (entrepreneur) |
| Products | Scheduled passenger and cargo flights |
Armenian International Airways (; AIA) was a privately held Armenian airline that operated between 2002 and 2005. Based in Yerevan with its main hub at Zvartnots International Airport, AIA concentrated on reestablishing Armenia's international flight connections, mainly targeting destinations in Western Europe following the decline of Armenian Airlines.
Establishment and commencement
Established in 2002 by Armenian entrepreneurs Gagik Tsarukyan, Versandik Hakobyan, Hrayr Hakobyan, and Levon Baghdasaryan, AIA obtained its aviation certification on 13 June 2002. With technical support from Air Malta, the airline set out to operate scheduled flights to European cities.
Later that same year, services were launched from Yerevan to Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport) and Frankfurt, routes that had previously been served by Armenian Airlines. Plans were made to extend operations to other European capitals, including Amsterdam.
Operational strategy
AIA functioned as a privately financed commercial carrier, supported by influential Armenian businessmen, particularly Gagik Tsarukyan of Multi Group. Unlike its predecessor, it emphasized private-sector operational efficiency by providing scheduled passenger flights with fixed ticket prices (for instance, approximately $560 for a round trip between Yerevan and Frankfurt in 2002) alongside cargo services. Though there were intentions to expand the fleet with modern Western aircraft compliant with European noise and emission regulations, the airline maintained only one aircraft throughout its operation.
Integration into Armavia
At the start of 2005, Armenian International Airways merged with Armavia, a private airline that assumed the role of Armenia's national carrier after the collapse of Armenian Airlines. The merger became effective on 1 January 2005, with Armavia taking over AIA’s European routes and operating licenses. The AIA brand ceased active flight operations; however, its single aircraft remained in use under lease arrangements until 2006.
Route network
During its operational peak, Armenian International Airways offered scheduled flights departing from Yerevan to:
Though there were intentions to add destinations such as Amsterdam, these never materialized. Flight timetables indicated twice-weekly service to Paris and weekly flights to Frankfurt.
Aircraft
Throughout its lifespan, AIA operated just one airplane:
| Model | Registration | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320-212 | EK-32001 | Leased from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC); configured for 156 passengers. |
The Airbus A320-212 (serial number 397), delivered in September 2002, bore AIA’s livery and was occasionally sub-leased to carriers such as Air Arabia following the merger in 2005.
Brussels hangar fire of 2006
On 5 May 2006, the sole AIA aircraft, EK-32001, was destroyed in a fire while undergoing maintenance at Brussels Airport by Sabena Technics. The blaze damaged four planes in total, including an Airbus A320 operated by Armavia. No injuries were reported. The destruction of EK-32001 marked the definitive end of Armenian International Airways’ operational presence.