YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS:

Today, the solemn opening of the passenger complex of "Zvartnots" airport took place. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, Armenian Deputy Minister, Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan, representatives of legislative and executive bodies, and diplomats accredited in Armenia were present at the opening.

The works in the direction of development of infrastructures of the airport, updating of buildings, and providing services corresponding to international standards have been implemented according to the agreement signed between the Armenian government and "Corporacion America" company.

The complex has an opportunity to serve to 3, 5 million passengers annually, instead of the former 1.6 million.

The main goal is creation of a new complex with 2 levels, which enables to completely separate the departing and arriving passenger flows. More than 1500 workers from 50 different companies have been involved in the mentioned construction works.

According to Mr. Gevorgyan, today the new air gate of Armenia opens, which is a result of consistent and diligent work of many years. "The main goal of the program is to double the capacities of the airport. "Zvartnots" airport, which works from 1961, is made corresponding to the highest class for South Caucasus," he said, adding that all conditions corresponding to international standards have been created for passengers. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that arrival and departure halls of the complex fully pretend to be the best in the region.

"The new airport, being fully ensured with up-to-date equipments, will be able to double the number of its passengers in an hour.

The program will be a serious impetus for development of the sphere of tourism, as well as for making Armenia a big center of transit passenger transportation in the region. The new complex and the economic environment developed around it will have essential influence on Armenia's economic progress," Mr. Gevorgyan said.

He said that today's event is dedicated to 20th anniversary of Armenia's independence and stressed that the economic reforms implemented in the country are directed toward development of the young state.

Argentinean-Armenian businessmen, chairman of "Corporacion America" company Eduardo Ernekyan handed the symbolic key to the Armenian President, and Catholicos of All Armenians chanted a blessing. Afterward Serzh Sargsyan and Eduardo Ernekyan opened the symbolic memorial stone of the complex, which was followed by cutting of the red ribbon.

The complex, which has been constructed in resemblance of Vancouver International Airport, will be fully handed to exploitation in October.