Want to travel directly to Van? Just wait for Eri-Van Airlines

While the process of normalizing the Turkish-Armenian relations and establishing diplomatic ties between the two countries remains stalled at the moment, the economic ties seem to have taken a step forward.

Zahir Qandashoglu, Chairman of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Van (VATSO), has said that Armenia and Turkey will soon establish a joint airline company. The proposal, according to him, has been made by an Armenia-based company whose name is not mentioned.

"Currently discussions are underway. The company will be called Eri-Van Airlines. Van's tourism potential will be increased due to the flights to be conducted," Mr Qandashoglu was quoted by Turkish news website Gazeteport, adding that another Armenian company wants to build a 5-star hotel in Van.

Earlier Mr Qandashoglu had said that Armenians and Turks would implement joint business plans in Van after the historic September 19 mass at the Sourb Khach Church (Saint Cross). Particularly, he had said that the would-be airline would have 4 proprietors, would buy two planes with the help of an American company and would organize Yerevan-Van charter flights.

He had also said that one of Armenia's leading tour operators had turned to them and said it wanted to build a 5-star hotel.

If implemented the construction of the hotel will ensure $50 million USD in investments.