Summary
- EL AL Israel Airlines finalizes an order for up to 31 Boeing 737 MAX jets to expand and renew its narrowbody fleet.
- Operational performance of 737 MAX jets includes 20% lower fuel consumption and a 50% noise level decrease.
- EL AL will maintain an all-Boeing fleet for the coming years.
EL AL Israel Airlines has announced that the carrier has finalized an order for up to 31 of the popular Boeing 737 MAX jets, which will help the airline renew and grow its fleet of narrowbody aircraft. This follows the airline’s earlier order this year for some of Boeing’s Dreamliner widebody aircraft as part of the carrier’s long-haul operations expansion.
Over 31 MAX jets
Israel’s largest carrier, EL AL Israel Airlines, today finalized its agreement with American manufacturer Boeing to order up to 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This order will see new MAX aircraft join the airline’s existing fleet of all Boeing aircraft. It will allow the carrier to expand its narrowbody operations in the years to come while also renewing its fleet by replacing some of the older 737s.
The 737 MAX will allow the airline to achieve better operational performance while reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and noise levels by 20% compared to the aircraft these new jets will replace.
Photo: VanderWolf Images | Shutterstock
Airline CEO, Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia said –
“This is a significant milestone for EL AL, which will allow us to offer our customers the most advanced service and technology experience in the industry.
“The implementation of the long-term procurement plan, which began with the purchase of additional 787 Dreamliners earlier this year and culminates in the current deal, once again demonstrates our commitment to the Israeli public and the state. ”
This is the finalization of EL AL’s discussion with Boeing a few months ago.
Related
EL AL Opts For Boeing 737 MAX Over Airbus In New $2 Billion 30 Aircraft Order
After it had received proposals from Airbus and Boeing, the Israel-based EL AL chose Boeing and the 737 MAX.
An all-Boeing fleet
The airline has historically been loyal to exclusively operating Boeing aircraft. With the aircraft commitments made for the MAX and the Dreamliners, it appears that the airline will remain Boeing-exclusive for the years to come.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) CEO, Stephanie Pope stated –
“We are honored EL AL has chosen Boeing airplanes to power its past, present and future as we continue to build on seven decades of partnership.
“We know EL AL depends on the versatility and reliability of Boeing airplanes, and we look forward to delivering the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner jets that will reshape and grow the airline in the coming decades.”
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
The Dreamliner order this year included three Boeing 787-9s as a firm order and six more as options. The airline expects to take delivery of two examples of the type this year and receive two more on lease in the following years.
Recent developments
In recent months, considering the escalation of tension in the Middle East, significant changes have been observed in terms of the aviation landscape in the region. While several airlines have pulled flights on routes to Israel, many airlines that usually fly over the region have been re-routing over different airspace, citing safety concerns.
Various US and European carriers have yet again extended their service suspension on flights to Tel Aviv. They include Delta Air Line, United Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, Wizz Air and more. Meanwhile, notices have been published advising operators to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace due to potential risk to flight safety.
Instead of airspace over Iran, airlines are now utilizing airspace over countries such as Afghanistan or Turkmenistan.
Related
Iran-Israel Conflict: More Airspace Closures In Middle East Lead To Shifting Routes
Airlines continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East.
Jordan, for example, now requires operators flying into the country to carry 45 minutes’ worth of additional fuel onboard (over the regulatory requirements) to ensure flights can divert in the event of an escalation.
