A-320 MYSTERY IS IN BLACK BOXES

Yerevan, May 12. ArmInfo. Interview with the director general of the Armavia company Norayr Belluyan.

Q: The media are appearing with various versions of the A-320 crash. Not only specialists but even politicians are speaking about it. What is Armavia's version?

A: Until we have black boxes, we better refrain from giving versions? Who are we trying to deceive? Our own selves, people, the world aviation community? The media's versions can be just versions but some of them are beginning to make conclusions based on their own interpretations. This is not right. I can understand when versions are given by aviators, but when they come from people who know nothing about aviation, this is more than strange. All this is causing confusion and is spawning myriads of fantastic rumors. The key problem now is that we can't say anything specific as the search is not over yet. But I very much hope that the black boxes will be found and we will learn why the plane fell into the sea, But unfortunately, the boxes are still in the sea. So, there is no sense in guessing. My position of principle is that only specialists have the right to speak about the causes of the crash.

What I can say today and for sure is that the experts have ruled out the version of terrorist act onboard. As regards, the version that there was little fuel - an experienced pilot must be a kamikaze to fly without fuel. As you know, the public prosecutor's office has ruled out this version too.

That's why I urge everybody to refrain from own conclusions, though I well understand that people can't help rumoring about such an accident. But one must not look for sensations in human tragedy and broken lives.

Q: What do you think about the fact that the talk of the crew with the Georgian air controllers was made public the very next day of the crash, while the records of the Sochi air control agency over two weeks later? It is exactly because of this fact that people are asking questions.

A: In fact, on the very first day of the tragedy they in the Sochi airport told us that the air controller forbade the plane to land because of bad weather and told the crew to make the second turn. But an air controller can't order a pilot if he should land or not. According to IKAO rules, he should inform and recommend - no more, and it is for the crew itself to decide to land or not to land. Now Russia and Armenia have set up a special commission to give answers to all questions and to make them known to the public. I am more than convinced that nobody will allow anybody to conceal any information and to soft-pedal the issue. Yes, the air controller did not let our pilot to land - this is sure. But we can't yet say that otherwise everything would be OK. The air controller must have had reasons for recommending "not to land."

Q: What do you think about the charge that the plane could have some technical problems because it was not checked up in Brussels?

A: The plane was checked up in Budapest and not in Brussels. Each plane has its flight limit after which it must be checked up. Today the international rules are so tough and so strictly observed that no plane can take off without check up. For example, if a plane has 5 hours left it uses them to fly to Brussels or Budapest or any other town where our technical partner, Sabena Technics, will send it to. The technical problems must have arisen in the air, otherwise we would know that as we are informed of any even very small problems onboard.

Q: First, you said that the amount of the insurance compensation will be $20,000, then, that this sum is approximate.

A: A representative of the London insurance company visited Yerevan a few days ago. He carried out very serious thorough work, Insurance is a very delicate business and it is hard to say now how much will be given as compensation - $20,000, 22,000 or 25,000. Why we first said $20,000? Because approximately as much is given in such cases, but the specific amount is not known yet. This depends first of all on the results of the investigation. But certainly the compensation will be paid. Let's say that until the cause of the crash is known the insurance company will not be able to specify the amount.

Q: What can you say about the incident in Belgium when two Armenian airbuses burnt down in a fire. Do you think it was a tragic coincidence?

A: The point is that until now the scene is still cordoned off and even Sabena Technics representatives are no let in. Some explosions are still taking place there. The place is very toxic and nobody is let in. We are still unaware what actually happened there and what caused the fire. We know as much as you do - from newspapers and TV. I don't think it was some act of sabotage against the Armenian aviation. Those who are investigating the case will say sooner or later what happened.

Q: Has the loss of two planes affected the schedule of you company's flights in any way?

A: Yes, it has - because to lose two planes is a big blow. We are delaying flights but Atlant Union (Russia) will let us Il-86 or Tu-154 and we will have delays only in exceptional cases. Most likely next week we will already have the second A-319. As you remember we earlier mentioned about our plans to lease fresh airbus. We did not hurry but now we need it urgently. So very soon Armavia's fleet will consists of A-320, two A-319s and two Yak-42s. We are also negotiating leasing a CRG, an American plane for 70-75 passengers. It will fly only to middle distances - Rostov, Min Vody, Sochi. So, we have enough planes for meeting our schedule.

Q: These are short-term plans, and what about mid- and long-term ones, are they still in force?

A: Absolutely all. We are planning to open a flight to Milan. The flight we have long been talking about - Yerevan-New York-Los Angeles is also in the offing. For this purpose we are going to rent a new A-330 or Boeing-767. We are also planning a flight to China via Central Asia. I don't want to give specific dates, but we are actively working on theses projects and are not going to give up any of them.

Q: What was the reaction of the world aviation community to the Sochi tragedy? What attitude did you, as director of Armavia, felt towards your company?

A: You know, I could hardly imagine that the tragedy will receive such strong compassion from the world aviation community. it was a natural human reaction, but many companies offered specific assistance in a whole number of questions and I am very grateful to them.

Emmanuil Mkrtchian, ArmInfo, May 12, 2006