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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.
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.