FLEET - Israel's El Al mulls freighter fleet expansion, buys B737

El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) is considering adding a widebody freighter to its fleet, it said in an update to its strategic plan. It did not disclose which aircraft type it is looking at, but investor documents released this week show an increase in the B777 fleet from 2028.

The airline also revealed that it plans to wet-lease three passenger and one cargo aircraft until at least 2030, alongside the addition of new in-house aircraft. It currently operates a single freighter, a B737-800(BCF).

El Al noted that it had signed an agreement with a foreign company to purchase a B777 for USD7.3 million in July 2024. It bought it with the purpose of dismantling it and increasing the number of spare parts and aircraft engines. According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the carrier currently operates four B777-200ERs powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines.

The carrier further disclosed that it had bought a B737-800 that it had leased for the past twelve years. It did not disclose the identity of the aircraft or the sum it paid. ch-aviation reached out to El Al for comment.

El Al Israel Airlines completed 2024 with USD545 million net profit, on revenues amounting to approximately USD3.4 billion. It carried 6.6 million passengers with an average 94% load factor.

El Al Israel Airlines operates 45 aircraft in total, namely sixteen B737-800s, eight B737-900ERs, four B777-200ERs, four B787-8, twelve B787-9s, and one B737-800(BCF). It has twenty B737-10s and seven B787-9s on order, either directly from the manufacturers or in dry-lease agreements with lessors.

CH Aviation

Photo: ELAL

 

Jerusalem of Gold – Yerushalayim Shel Zahav - EL AL reveals for the first time the unique design of the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the 12th to join the fleet

Brian Worthington - USA

ELAL - B787-9 - 4X-EDH

Brian Worthington - Boeing - USA

ELAL - B787-9 - 4X-EDF - Retrojet col

        

Brian Worthington - Boeing - USA

El Al Israel Airlines W18 service changes as of 30MAY18

El Al Israel Airlines this week filed additional changes to its planned winter 2018/19 season operation, effective from 28OCT18. As of 30MAY18, planned changes include the following.

Tel Aviv – Bangkok Planned 747-400 service remains unchanged, scheduled until 30MAR19 from TLV, 31MAR19 from BKK

Tel Aviv – Barcelona Previously filed 777-200ER service once a week has been removed

Tel Aviv – Bucharest eff 02NOV18 777-200ER to operate once a week on regular basis as LY573/574 on Day 5, replacing 767 in W17

Tel Aviv – London Heathrow Planned one-time 747-400 service in winter season on 30DEC18 is cancelled. Planned all 787-9 service on 13 weekly flights will move forward to 08NOV18, instead of 06JAN19

Tel Aviv – Los Angeles eff 28OCT18 787-9 Dreamliner replaces 777-200ER, 3 weekly (Reflected in last week’s schedule update)

Tel Aviv – Mumbai eff 28OCT18 Subject to Government Approval, 777-200ER replaces 767, 4 weekly

Tel Aviv – Newark eff 28OCT18 Service revised from 10 to 6 weekly, 787-9 Dreamliner operating

Tel Aviv – New York JFK LY001/002 continues to see 747-400 operating, replacing a mix of 787-9 and 777-200ER. The 747-400 is scheduled to operate until 31MAR19 (from JFK until 30MAR19), instead of 25OCT18

LY001 TLV0030 – 0525JFK 744 x6

LY007 TLV0930 – 1450JFK 789 x56

LY002 JFK1800 – 1120+1TLV 789 x56

LY008 JFK2050 – 1400+1TLV 744 4

LY008 JFK2350 – 1700+1TLV 744 x45

Tel Aviv – Paris CDG
eff 28OCT18 Planned 767 service removed
25NOV18 – 24FEB19 LY323/324 operated by 747-400 on Sundays

Tel Aviv – Rome Boeing 767 service scheduled until 08NOV18 (LY385/386 Day 47 operated by 777 from 11NOV18). 787-9 also scheduled once a week

Tel Aviv – Sofia eff 09JAN19 777-200ER to operate once a week on regular basis as LY551/552 on Day 5, replacing 767 in W17

Previously reported changes:

Tel Aviv – Johannesburg eff 29OCT18 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, 767 operating (Planned 5th weekly closed for reservation)

Tel Aviv – Miami eff 29OCT18 787-9 replaces 777-200ER, 3 weekly

Tel Aviv – San Francisco eff 19NOV18 Planned 3 weekly 787-9 service postponed
By Jim Liu - Routesonline

El Al 1Q19 London Heathrow aircraft changes

El Al Israel Airlines in recent schedule update adjusted planned operational aircraft for Tel Aviv – London Heathrow route, in the first quarter of 2019. Based on current listing, the airline’s 11 weekly service will be operated by Boeing 787-9 only, from 06JAN19 to 30MAR19.
LY315 TLV0905 – 1235LHR 789 x6
LY317 TLV1715 – 2045LHR 789 x56
LY316 LHR1420 – 2105TLV 789 x56
LY318 LHR2230 – 0515+1TLV 789 x5

By Jim Liu - Routesonline

Boeing, EL AL Israel Airlines Celebrate Delivery of First 787 Dreamliner

Israel flag-carrier incorporates 787-9 into its all-Boeing fleet

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA], EL AL Israel Airlines and Air Lease Corporation are celebrating the delivery of the carrier's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner today.

EL AL leased the airplane through an agreement with Air Lease Corporation.

The 787-9 touched down in Tel Aviv today following a nonstop, 6,746 mile (10,856 km.) delivery flight from Paine Field, adjacent to Boeing's factory in Everett, Wash.

"The arrival of the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a day of pride and joy to all of us at EL AL," said EL AL Chief Executive Officer David Maimon. "It is the highlight in the ongoing renewal of the EL AL fleet, which started a year and a half ago when we decided to order 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. We are happy to embark on a new journey with our first Dreamliner."

"The arrival of the new airplanes will create a revolution in the customer experience. We have set a very high standard of service and product excellence in order to maintain our position as the first and preferred choice for passengers, travelling both to and from Israel," said Maimon. "I am convinced that this significant procurement of 787s is a great opportunity for us to meet the highest levels expected. The Dreamliner will ensure our customers receive exceptional comfort, innovative technology, advanced aircraft and quality service."

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 to 25 percent less fuel and with 20 to 25 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

"We are honored to deliver the first 787 Dreamliner to our great partners at EL AL," said Ray Conner, vice chairman, The Boeing Company. "The 787 Dreamliner will play a key role in the renewal of EL AL's fleet and growing its network worldwide as it ushers in a new era for the airline, its employees and its customers around the globe."

EL AL has been an all-Boeing carrier since taking delivery of its first new Boeing airplane in 1961 and currently operates a fleet of more than 40 airplanes including Next-Generation 737s, 747s, 767s and 777s.

Contact:

EL AL’s first Dreamliner will take off from London

EL AL’s inaugural Dreamliner flight is expected to take place on 12 September 2017 departing from London Heathrow.
It will operate four times a week, until 15 March, 2018 (winter schedule) Monday to Thursday, on the daytime flight.

The 787 aircraft will be joining the company’s new 737-900 aircraft, which are already operating on short-hauls to Europe, which is currently on the London Luton route, modernising the EL AL fleet.

The Dreamliner 787 with innovative interior designs offers a total of 282 seats, in three service classes.

The new Dreamliner Business Class consists of 32 seats, all seats have aisle access, 1-2-1 seating configuration, equipped with Panasonic`s AVOD Advanced entertainment System, 16″ screen and offers passengers the ultimate luxury experience, with maximum comfort and privacy.

The airline is launching the Premium Economy Class. The new class has 28 premium ergonomic seats by Recaro in a 2-3-2 seating configuration with 38″ (96 cm) pitch and dedicated legroom. There’s also an adjustable seat recline and headrest for passengers with seat reclinining up to 7”.

The Economy Class on board the Dreamliner consists of 222 seats by Recaro, arranged in a 3-3-3 seating configuration providing personal space. The seats are equipped with an adjustable headrest, offering six modes.

The entertainment experience is Panasonic`s AVOD system, including a 12” HD personal screen, a selection of content customized for all audiences, and internet services that will be available in the near future.

Travel News

First El Al 787 emerges in full colours

flag-carrier El Al has shown off its first Boeing 787 twinjet, after the aircraft was painted in the airline's colour scheme.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the 787-9 (4X-EDA) has been named 'Ashdod', after the Israeli port city.

Flight Fleets Analyzer lists the aircraft as being taken from US lessor Air Lease.

El Al is intending to acquire 16 787s – a mix of -9s and the smaller -8 – in order to replace aircraft including its Boeing 747-400s and 767-300ERs.

It has also indicated that it holds options to take the 787-10, the largest member of the twinjet family.

DAVID KAMINSKI-MORROW

Photo:Brian Worthington

El Al announces First Boeing 787 Routes

El Al Israel Airlines will launch its first Boeing 787 flights in September from Tel Aviv to destinations in Europe, followed by services to North America and the Far East from October.

By 2020, the Israel flag carrier expects to operate 16 Boeing 787-9s, which are replacing its 747-400s and 767-300s, El Al said in a June 23 statement.

On June 21, El Al firmed orders for two additional 787-8s and one 787-9 valued at more than $729 million at list prices, which are part of El Al's original commitment for up to 15 787s in 2015. The airline has six unfilled orders for 787s that it will take directly from Boeing.

El Al's 787s will offer 28 seats in premium-economy, 32 seats in business and 222 in economy class.
Tel Aviv-based El Al has selected US technology company ViaSat to provide high-speed Wi-Fi, which will be offered from 2018 onward, the airline said in a statement.
The first Dreamliner to be delivered will be a 787-9 later this summer, according to Boeing.

El Al also has lease agreements in place for seven 787s.

By Kurt Hofmann, ATW Daily News

Israel's El Al leases two B787-9s from ACG

with the Aviation Capital Group (ACG) for two B787-9s. The US-based lessor said in a statement the aircraft are sourced from its Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) order book.

“EL AL Israel Airlines is pleased to enter into these lease agreements with ACG and increase our future 787 fleet to a total of sixteen aircraft," David Maimon, the CEO of El Al, said. "The 787 fleet will open a new chapter for EL AL Israel Airlines."
El Al said in a Tel Aviv bourse disclosure the aircraft are set to be delivered in February and October 2018 respectively. A further two B787-8s, acquired by ACG from El Al through sales/lease-back, will deliver in December 2019 and August 2020.

The Israeli carrier is expected to acquire a total of sixteen B787s with options for an additional thirteen aircraft (inclusive of the B787-10 model). The firm orders include nine leased aircraft (five B787-9s and four B787-8s) and seven owned (four B787-9s and three B787-8s).
The first two Dreamliners - B787-9s - are expected to arrive on lease from Air Lease Corporation in the third quarter and early fourth quarter of this year respectively.

ch aviation

El Al eyes late 3Q17 inc'l debut for B787s

El Al Israel Airlines  is planning to begin commercial longhaul B787 operations during the third quarter of the year, the carrier's Sales & Marketing representative in Canada, Jacob Mazgaonkar, has said.

Speaking to Travel Week, Mazgaonkar said the Israeli carrier expects to deploy its first of two B787-9s due from Air Lease Corporation into service between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion and Los Angeles Int'l in September. However, as with the delivery of any new type, the aircraft is expected to be used for shorthaul crew-training missions prior to its deployment on intercontinental flights.

El Al will use its incoming fleet of B787-8s/-9s to replace its B767-300(ER)s and B747-400s on longhaul routes to North America, the Far East, and South Africa. A source in the Argentine Ministry of Tourism has also told the country's La Nacion newspaper that talks are underway to try and lure El Al to Buenos Aires Ezeiza.

El Al is acquiring, through a combination of purchase and lease, sixteen B787-8s and B787-9s with options for an additional thirteen aircraft (inclusive of the B787-10 model).

ch aviation

Boeing, EL AL Israel Airlines Agree on 787 Dreamliner Order

Expands all-Boeing fleet to increase capacity, route flexibility from Tel Aviv

"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 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.

Israel's El Al confirms talks to merge Sun d'Or with Israir

El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) has confirmed it is in early talks to merge its Sun d'Or International Airlines (2U, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) subsidiary into that of the IDB Development Corporation Ltd., Israir (6H, Tel Aviv Sde Dov). 

 The Israeli flag carrier said in a filing with the Tel Aviv bourse that, depending on a market valuation of the two carriers, it would receive an undisclosed number of Israir shares in return for Sun D'Or's absorption into Israir.

 In order for negotiations between the parties to progress, Israel's Globe newspaper says Israir will have to acquire a third A320-200 while disposing of its Diesenhaus travel agency to rival the Business Travel Center (BTC) group. While Israir has reportedly already agreed to terms with Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac), it has yet to conclude negotiations with Deutsche Bank for a loan to acquire the jet.

 Sun d'Or operates regular, ad-hoc, and seasonal passenger charters using aircraft leased from El Al while for its part, Israir operates scheduled and charter flights to destinations throughout Israel, Asia, and Europe using its own fleet of two A320-200s and two ATR72-500s.

ch-aviation

ELAL - B737-900ER - 4X-EHE

Simon Body - LHR

El Al mulls B767 replacement options

El Al Israel Airlines is reviewing options for its future long haul aircraft demands.

El Al's widebody fleet includes six B747-400s, six B777-200(ER)s, and six B767-300(ER)s, the latter of which it is considering replacing with either A330s from Airbus Industrie or B787s from Boeing according to a report by Flightglobal.
Photo:Ton Jochems

EL AL - B737-900ER - 4X-EHA

Ton Jochems - AMS

EL AL -B747-400 - 4X-ELE

Ton Jochems - AMS

ELAL - B737-900 - 4X-EHA

Paul Bannwarth - Zurich

EL AL is proud to Launch-UP - A new aviation brand in Israel For discount Flights to five Destinations in Europe

 

 

EL AL is proud to Launch-UP
A new aviation brand in Israel For discount Flights to five Destinations in Europe
UP – the New Aviation Brand by EL AL

The new brand will operate in a reduced-fare format to 5 destinations in Europe:

Berlin, Budapest, Kiev, Prague and Larnaca

At launching fares from $69 one way for departures from Israel.

Ticket sales will begin in the upcoming weeks and flights will begin on March 30, 2014.

UP offers budget flights that allow customers to select and pay for only the services they wish to purchase.

UP flights offer two service classes: Economy Class and Economy Class Plus.

UP Offers Two Types of Tickets:

UP Basic Ticket – the basic ticket on which passengers pay additional fees for services, such as baggage, seating, inflight refreshments and more – depending on what they choose.

UP Smart Ticket – a ticket that includes a wide variety of services and flexible ticket conditions.

EL AL Matmid Frequent Flyer Club members will continue to earn and utilize points on UP flights (decreased accumulation).

Premium members of the Matmid Club will enjoy many special and exclusive benefits on UP flights, based on their tier status in the club, as appears in the club regulations.

The brand launch is an announcement due to the price level as well as the extent of frequencies to the chosen destinations:

Berlin: Up to 11 weekly flights
Prague: Up to 11 weekly flights
Kiev: Up to 11 weekly flights
Budapest: Up to 11 weekly flights
Larnaca: Up to 6 weekly flights
A total of up to 50 weekly flights to UP destinations

UP will offer special introductory fares for flights on select dates between March 30 and June 30, 2014: to Prague and Budapest from $69 one way; to Larnaca, Kiev and Berlin from $99 one way, fares are for departures from Israel.


I am convinced that this move will improve our competitive abilities, expand our customer reach and offer a better response to the various changing preferences, while offering flights at lower costs".