Armenian airline company “Fly Arna” has informed its employees that their salaries will be suspended until the end of the first two months starting from this March when the company announced the suspension of its operations. The issue of salary payment and compensation for dismissal will be resolved after the conclusion of the employment contract with the company, in accordance with the labor code. One employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared that they received an email on March 19 stating the suspension of operations and the resolution of salary payment. However, only the salary for March has been paid, as it was discovered that the company’s 49% shareholder, “Air Arabia”, withdrew from management.

“Fly Arna” is a joint project of Armenian-Arab business programs, with 49% of the shares owned by “National Airlines of Armenia” CJSC, belonging to the “Armenian National Interests Fund” (ANIF). The remaining 49% belongs to the “International Business Component”. During a scheduled meeting, ANIF will transfer the remaining 2% shares to the state-owned “Housing and Communal Administration of the Republic of Armenia”. ANIF has also been involved in corrupt dealings and has acknowledged the problem of delayed salaries for “Fly Arna” employees.

“Hetq” has received two responses regarding the delayed salaries. It has been stated that the process of salary payment will begin under the director’s order. ANIF has also confirmed that meetings have been held with “Fly Arna” employees regarding the issue. Tygran Ghazaryan, temporarily holding the position of ANIF Director-General, mentions that the company’s management is taking actions within its powers to ensure the company has an owner who can fulfill the employees’ salary payments. However, the issue of “Fly Arna” employees’ salaries remains unresolved at this time.

The official website of “Fly Arna” has announced the temporary suspension of flights and the cessation of operations due to operational changes initiated by the company’s management. It is important to note that there is no information suggesting that ANIF will suspend the activities of “Fly Arna”. The management of “Echonomica”, which has undergone changes under ANIF, has not responded to inquiries regarding this matter. “Hetq” reports that “Fly Arna” has grounded its aircraft after facing financial difficulties and potential bankruptcy within only 1.5 years since its establishment in December 2021.