TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and EL AL Israel Airlines agreed on an order today for up to nine 787 Dreamliners, valued at more than $2.2 billion at current list prices. Three of the orders will be added to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website on Nov. 5 and the remainder will be posted as further contractual requirements are finalized.
EL AL will also lease six additional 787s from independent leasing companies as the Israeli-flag carrier looks to replace and grow its existing long-haul fleet, increasing capacity and providing greater route flexibility to and from its hub at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.
“I am proud to unveil today the largest aircraft acquisition program in the history of EL AL. Our agreement to purchase 787 Dreamliners is a significant step forward in the optimization of our route network, enhancing passenger service and the overall flight experience,” said David Maimon, President and Chief Executive Officer, EL AL. “These aircraft are the latest and most advanced in the world and are efficient and economical. I am convinced that this move is a great opportunity to meet the high standard expected of us and continue the momentum in EL AL’s focus to provide our customer with maximum comfort, the newest and best technology and deliver a high standard of service on-board.”
EL AL has been an all-Boeing carrier since taking delivery of its first Boeing airplane in 1961 and currently operates a fleet of 22 737s, seven 747s, seven 767s and six 777s.
“Boeing is proud of our long-standing relationship dating back to the delivery of the airline’s first 707 in 1961 and we are pleased to now count EL AL as the newest 787 customer,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The Dreamliner is a perfect fit for EL AL’s medium to long haul routes. The addition of 787s to the EL AL fleet will enable it to grow its route structure, while providing more range and capacity with exceptional passenger comfort.”
The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 will provide EL AL with unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance, using 20 percent less fuel and with 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.
Boeing
Arkia wet-leases to Travel Service, Israeli Jews protest
‘I won’t have Czechs flying me’
Israeli passengers attack Czech flight crew, refuse to board plane leased to Arkia airline due to security fears.
Israeli passengers at Ben Gurion Airport allegedly attacked the crew of their flight to Paris on Thursday when they saw that a Czech airplane leased from a Czech airline (Travel Service) would be making the journey instead of Arkia, an Israeli airline.
Despite the two Arkia flight attendants on the plane, police were called to the airport after receiving reports of passenger violence against the Czech flight team.
The travelers refused to board the plane because of the current security situation, saying that they would only agree to board with an Israeli team. According to the Czech flight crew, the passengers attacked and swore at them.
“I paid to fly with an Israeli company and I won’t have Czechs flying me,” said Yossi, one of the passengers. “I can only feel safe flying with an Israeli company.”
Following the arrival of the police most travelers relented, but some still refused to board the flight.
Arkia, for its part, was puzzled at the passengers’ hysteria. A statement from the company said, “The Czech airline is one of the biggest and most reliable airlines in Europe and leases aircraft to several Israeli companies. They also operate regular flights between Israel and Europe.”
Daniela, a passenger who witnessed the confrontation, said that dozens of travelers started to curse at and attack the Czech team.
“There was a big commotion and they called the police because there were beatings going on,” she said. “The flight was already an hour late and it was terrible. There was a violent passenger who inflamed the situation.”
“We are astounded at the exaggerated response from some of the passengers,” said Arkia’s statement. “We wish a pleasant flight to those who are now on their way.”
Ynet News
United Airlines launches San Fransisco – Tel Aviv flight
While American Airlines has opted to cease its Philadelphia – Tel Aviv service, United has announced today the launch of its three-weekly San Francisco – Tel Aviv service, scheduled to start on April 1, 2016, subject to government approval.
“Providing corporate customers from throughout the Bay Area and Silicon Valley nonstop service to the high-tech market in Israel has been high on our priority list at United,” said Dave Hilfman, United’s senior vice president of worldwide sales. “Now with the 787-9 Dreamliner, we’re delighted to make it a reality.”
Currently, United Airlines offers twice-daily service non-stop flights between Newark and Tel Aviv, operated by its Boeing 777-200ER fleet.
MORE DESTINATIONS OUT OF UNITED’S SAN FRANCISCO HUB
Besides the announced Tel Aviv service, United will expand its route offer from its Pacific hub by adding the already-announced seasonal service to Xi’An in China, besides a three-weekly service to Auckland, beginning on July 1, 2016. Flights will be operated in partnership with Air New Zealand, a Star Alliance member.
As United adds more Dreamliners to its fleet (plans are 25 aircraft in 2015), the airline readies their deployment into long thin routes. Efficient, modern aircraft like the 787 and the Airbus A350, will allow airlines to operate several such routes. United seems to follow the example of British Airways and its successful Austin service and its forthcoming San Jose flight to London.
With the right aircraft, these routes can be very profitable for airlines and become exclusive city-pairs that they can have a good hold on.
Airways News