Fly Arna
Defunct Armenian low-cost airline (2021-2024)
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Armenian National Airlines CJSC dba Fly Arna (Armenian: «Հայկական ազգային ավիաուղիներ» ՓԲԸ), styled as Fly Arna (Armenian: Ֆլայ Արնա), was an Armenian low-cost airline based in Yerevan, Armenia. It was a joint-venture between low-cost carrier Air Arabia and the Armenian government-owned Armenia National Interests Fund (ANIF).[2] From 2021 to 2024, it was the flag carrier of Armenia.[3]
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| Founded | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceased operations | January 2024 | ||||||
| AOC # | 075 | ||||||
| Operating bases | Zvartnots International Airport | ||||||
| Frequent-flyer program | AirRewards | ||||||
| Fleet size | 3 | ||||||
| Destinations | 5[1] | ||||||
| Parent company | Air Arabia | ||||||
| Headquarters | Yerevan, Armenia | ||||||
| Key people | Antony Price (CEO) | ||||||
| Website | flyarna.com | ||||||
The airline ceased operations on January 2024. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced in March 2024 that FlyArna has failed and announced plans to liquidate the airline. In May 2024, the Armenian government approved the dissolution of the Armenian National Interest Fund (ANIF) and the airline begain liquidation proceedings.[4]
History
Foundation
The airline was created following a joint-venture agreement signed between Emirati carrier Air Arabia and the recently established Armenia National Interests Fund (ANIF) in July 2021.[5] 51% of the airline's shares are owned by ANIF and the remaining 49% by Air Arabia.
In May 2022, the airline received its Air Operator's Certificate and added its first aircraft.[6] The airline has selected the Airbus A320 aircraft to build its fleet, in order to maintain fleet commonality with its parent airline, Air Arabia.
The airline commenced operations with flights to Hurghada on July 3, 2022, and to Sharm El Sheikh on July 4, 2022.[7][8] The airline has announced plans to commence flights to Kuwait and Beirut as the next destinations, continuing with its plans to connect the Middle East with Armenia.
In January 2023, the company announced that it would start flights to the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow and to the Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg.[9] The company also announced plans to operate flights to India, through flights from Yerevan to Delhi and Mumbai as well as flights to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.[10]
Suspension
In January 2024, the company suspended all flights. The company announced that they are undergoing operational revisions and would resume flights in due course.[11][12] The company's license was suspended in March 2024. The company is required to obtain adequate aircraft within six months in order for the suspension to be lifted.[13]
Dissolution
In March 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that FlyArna has failed and announced plans to liquidate the airline. In May 2024, the Armenian government approved the dissolution of the Armenian National Interest Fund (ANIF) and the airline begain liquidation proceedings. The airline returned both of its A320-200s to the other 49% shareholder, Air Arabia.[4]
Destinations
Fly Arna operated scheduled flights to the following destinations:[citation needed]
Fleet
The Fly Arna fleet consisted of the following aircraft:[citation needed]
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Y | Total | ||||
| Airbus A320-200 | 3 | — | — | 174 | 174 | |
| Total | 3 | — | ||||
