After a three year hiatus, Airline Economics is once more in Israel at the second Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Tel Aviv 2022 conference. The conference was opened by chair Ran Ackerman, senior vice president at MK Aviation, with an on-stage “beachside” chat with new President and CEO of El Al Israeli Airlines Dina Ben Tal, who confirmed that the airline was beginning a campaign to revitalise its 737 narrowbody fleet and welcomed suggestions from Boeing and Airbus as well as aircraft lessors for ideal replacements with a decision expected by the first quarter of 2023.
Dina also shared her view for the future of El Al that included expanding capacity and new routes to India, Australia, South America if the Abraham Accords are expanded to enable El Al to overfly Saudi Arabia to destinations beyond the Middle East. This action would shorten routes and enabling routes from TLV to India for example that could be served by a narrowbody aircraft – hence the need for a new narrowbody fleet. She also shared nascent ambitions for a cargo fleet – be it via ACMI, lessor or by converting older 777s in the fleet (if conversion slots for pre-2025 could be secured).
Philip Tozer-Pennington
philipt@airlineeconomics.com