EL AL Israel Airlines announced that it signed an agreement with the Boeing Company to purchase a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which will be the 17th Boeing 787 Dreamliner in its fleet.
The aircraft, equipped with two Rolls Royce’s engines, was originally manufactured for another customer, and will be modified to EL AL’s specifications. The expected delivery date is second quarter 2024.
As part of the agreement, EL AL updated the delivery date for its 16th 787, a 787-8, to the third quarter 2023. The original delivery date of that aircraft was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 16th and the 17th aircraft will join the company’s Boeing Dreamliner fleet of twelve 787-9 aircraft and three 787-8 aircraft. The fuel-efficient Dreamliner has enabled EL AL to expand its route map and to fly to remote destinations, including Tokyo, beginning in March. EL AL’s U.S. destinations are served with 787s.
“The purchase of our 17th 787 marks a significant milestone in EL AL’s growth and revival,” said EL AL’s CEO Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia.
“As part of the company’s strategy, which puts the customer at the center of everything we do, we have invested significant resources to improve our service and our inflight product. EL AL and Boeing have worked together for many years, and I appreciate their support of EL AL. I also would like to thank the EL AL Board of Directors for their guidance and direction.”
Amikam Ben-Zvi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EL AL, added: “I would like to thank the controlling shareholders of EL AL for their support. EL AL continues to make progress on its new path. This is reflected in the demand for our flights, in our financial results and in the increase of our flight capacity.”
Amikam Ben-Zvi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EL AL, added: “I would like to thank the controlling shareholders of EL AL for their support. EL AL continues to make progress on its new path. This is reflected in the demand for our flights, in our excellent financial results and in the increase of our flight capacity. I also am grateful for our continued partnership with the Boeing Company that has helped make all of this possible.”
EL AL has just been named a Five Star carrier in the APEX survey for the second year in a row. In the survey, passengers rated flights operated by different carriers on five elements of inflight service: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment, and Wi-Fi, and gave EL AL a Five Star rating.
EL AL flights operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft feature the latest amenities including lie-flat seats in Business Class, gourmet meals, and an extensive choice of wines and beverages. EL AL’s Premium Class features oversized, comfortable seats with a footrest and extended legroom.
