YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The ceremonial launch of a direct flight between Yerevan and Milan took place on Saturday. Flights will be operated once a week by Armenian Airlines with a stop-over in Sofia. If the need arises–flight will become non-stop from Yerevan to Milan.
The twelve passengers on the inaugural flight were met in Milan by the senior agent for sales and passenger transport affairs of Armenian Airlines in Italy–representative of the Distal Air Agency Mrs. Copiardi; Armenian Airlines senior agent for cargo transportation–Berj Ohnanian; Father Sargis Sargssian of the Italian-Armenian community; local Armenian community representatives; and other officials.
"The 2,000-member Armenian community of Italy is relatively small but is showing great interest in Armenia. At present–Italy and Armenia are successfully cooperating in the economic sphere. We hope that similar flights will promote stronger business and tourist ties. If the air route proves a success–a second one can be opened," said Ohnanian.
Armenian Airlines sales manager Artur Zakarian pointed out that Milan–as a large industrial city–will enable people engaged in private business to boost their contacts with Italy. Today–Italy supplies Armenia with building materials–consumer goods–and various equipment for its food and confectionery industries.
The airplane carried 1,300 kg of cargo from Milan back to Yerevan.