Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth

Post Published June 7, 2024

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Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - El Al Expands Boeing 787 Fleet for Long-Haul Growth





Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth

El Al, Israel's national airline, continues to strengthen its long-haul capabilities by expanding its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

The carrier has added another 787-8 aircraft, bringing its total Dreamliner count to 16, with plans to acquire three more 787s and options for six additional planes in the future.

This fleet expansion supports El Al's strategy to grow its presence on international routes, particularly to the United States, where it currently operates the 787-9 variant.

Simultaneously, the airline is also renewing its narrowbody fleet, ordering 16 new Boeing 737-800s to replace older models and increase capacity on key European routes.

El Al's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft feature a higher number of premium economy recliners compared to the same aircraft type operated by American and United Airlines, offering passengers more comfort and space on long-haul flights.

El Al's fourth-quarter revenue in 2023 increased by 21% year-on-year, with annual revenue exceeding 25 billion Israeli shekels, a record for the carrier, showcasing the airline's strong financial performance.

El Al's fourth-quarter EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and rent) grew to 161 million Israeli shekels, indicating the airline's ability to generate significant operating cash flow.

The new Boeing 737-800 aircraft that El Al has ordered will feature a higher-density configuration, allowing the airline to increase capacity on key European routes and potentially offer more affordable fares to passengers.

El Al's fleet expansion plans, including the addition of three more Boeing 787 aircraft and the renewal of its narrowbody fleet, are part of a broader strategy to increase the airline's global footprint and competitiveness in the long-haul market.

The growing demand for travel to and from Israel, as well as the country's booming tourism industry, are key factors driving El Al's fleet expansion and route network growth, as the airline aims to capitalize on these favorable market conditions.

What else is in this post?

  1. Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - El Al Expands Boeing 787 Fleet for Long-Haul Growth
  2. Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Narrowbody Upgrades Modernize Israeli Carriers' Regional Networks
  3. Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Fleet Expansion Caters to Rising Tourism in Israel
  4. Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Competitive Routes Added to Major European Destinations
  5. Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Improved Cabin Experiences Elevate Passenger Comfort
  6. Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Growing Demand Fuels Fleet Renewal Initiatives

Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Narrowbody Upgrades Modernize Israeli Carriers' Regional Networks





Israeli airlines are modernizing their narrowbody fleets to improve efficiency and expand their regional route networks.

El Al and Israir are acquiring new Boeing 737 aircraft, including the 737 MAX 8, to lower operating costs and better serve growing demand on popular domestic and short-haul international routes.

These fleet upgrades will allow the Israeli carriers to better compete with low-cost competitors and target the lucrative business traveler segment.

The new narrowbody aircraft being acquired by Israeli carriers like El Al and Israir are expected to increase their available seat kilometers (ASK) by over 200 billion, a record-breaking achievement.

El Al plans to more than double its narrowbody fleet to 28 aircraft by 2028, reflecting a strategic shift towards regional network expansion and improved operational efficiency.

Israir, a low-cost carrier in Israel, has ordered 6 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, demonstrating the growing demand for narrowbody aircraft among the country's airlines.

The upgraded narrowbody fleets of Israeli carriers will enable them to compete more effectively with low-cost competitors and target the lucrative business traveler market on regional routes.

El Al's new Boeing 737-800 aircraft will feature a higher-density configuration, allowing the airline to increase capacity on key European routes and potentially offer more affordable fares to passengers.

The expansion of narrowbody fleets by Israeli carriers is expected to facilitate the development of underserved markets, such as Eilat and Ovda, as well as increased frequencies on popular routes like Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv-Nahariya.


Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Fleet Expansion Caters to Rising Tourism in Israel





Israeli airlines are expanding their narrowbody fleets to cater to the surge in tourism demand within the country.

This fleet expansion, with the addition of aircraft like the Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320neo, aims to increase capacity on popular routes and offer more affordable fares to passengers.

The growth in Israel's tourism industry, which saw a record 4.5 million visitors in 2022, is a key driver behind the airlines' strategic move to bolster their narrowbody aircraft fleets.

In 2023, Israel's tourism industry received an influx of $485 billion, a significant contribution to the country's economy.

The expansion of Israel's narrowbody fleet reflects an optimistic outlook, as the tourism industry has been experiencing a record-breaking growth, with 5 million tourists visiting the country in 2022, a 46% increase from the previous year.

El Al, Israel's flagship carrier, is adding 15 new Boeing 737-800s to its fleet, increasing its narrowbody fleet by 50%, catering to the rising demand for air travel.

Arkia, another Israeli airline, is expanding its narrowbody fleet with the addition of three Airbus A320neo aircraft, further increasing capacity to meet the growing passenger demand.

The fleet expansion is not just limited to El Al and Arkia; Israir, a low-cost carrier in Israel, has ordered 6 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, demonstrating the widespread adoption of narrowbody aircraft among the country's airlines.

The new Boeing 737-800 aircraft being acquired by El Al will feature a higher-density configuration, allowing the airline to increase capacity on key European routes and potentially offer more affordable fares to passengers.

Ben Gurion Airport's new Terminal 3 is expected to increase capacity by 50%, paving the way for more passengers and flights to accommodate the surge in tourism.

The fleet expansion undertaken by Israeli carriers is not solely focused on narrowbody aircraft; El Al is also strengthening its long-haul capabilities by expanding its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, adding another 787-8 aircraft and planning to acquire three more 787s in the future.


Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Competitive Routes Added to Major European Destinations





Israeli carriers are expanding their European operations by adding new competitive routes to major destinations.

This move aligns with the recent normalization of relations between Israel and several European countries, opening up new market opportunities.

Airlines like El Al and IGA have increased frequencies and commenced direct services to key European hubs, offering passengers more options and enhancing competition on these popular routes.

The Open Skies agreement between Israel and the EU has significantly impacted the aviation landscape, eliminating restrictions on foreign airlines and permitting greater operational flexibility for Israeli carriers.

Lufthansa has adjusted its flight schedules, prioritizing connections to popular destinations in Southeast Asia due to the reduction of flights from European carriers.

Airlines like El Al have increased frequencies to key destinations such as Paris and Frankfurt, while IGA has commenced direct services to Rome and Amsterdam, enhancing competition on these popular routes.

The rise in air travel demand, coupled with the growing popularity of low-cost carriers, has encouraged competition on various routes, particularly those involving connecting flights.

El Al's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft feature a higher number of premium economy recliners compared to the same aircraft type operated by American and United Airlines, offering passengers more comfort and space on long-haul flights.

The new Boeing 737-800 aircraft that El Al has ordered will feature a higher-density configuration, allowing the airline to increase capacity on key European routes and potentially offer more affordable fares to passengers.

Israir, a low-cost carrier in Israel, has ordered 6 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, demonstrating the growing demand for narrowbody aircraft among the country's airlines.

The expansion of narrowbody fleets by Israeli carriers is expected to facilitate the development of underserved markets, such as Eilat and Ovda, as well as increased frequencies on popular routes like Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv-Nahariya.

Ben Gurion Airport's new Terminal 3 is expected to increase capacity by 50%, paving the way for more passengers and flights to accommodate the surge in tourism.


Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Improved Cabin Experiences Elevate Passenger Comfort





Israeli airlines are investing in advanced cabin technologies and innovative solutions to enhance passenger comfort, such as state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, active noise cancellation, and flexible cabin configurations.

By leveraging onboard connectivity and adopting a more personalized approach, these carriers aim to provide a superior travel experience that will attract more passengers and drive revenue growth.

Israeli airlines are incorporating advanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) solutions that provide real-time information to passengers, enhancing their on-board experience.

Airlines are adopting innovative noise cancellation technology, creating a more peaceful and comfortable cabin environment for travelers.

Flexible cabin configurations are being designed to cater to diverse passenger needs, offering personalized comfort and well-being.

Onboard connectivity is being leveraged to improve monitoring and data analysis, enabling a more tailored experience for each passenger.

El Al's new Boeing 737-800 aircraft feature a higher-density configuration, allowing the airline to increase capacity on key European routes while potentially offering more affordable fares.

El Al's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft have a higher number of premium economy recliners compared to the same aircraft type operated by American and United Airlines, providing passengers with more comfort and space on long-haul flights.

The new narrowbody aircraft being acquired by Israeli carriers like El Al and Israir are expected to increase their available seat kilometers (ASK) by over 200 billion, a record-breaking achievement.

Israir, a low-cost carrier in Israel, has ordered 6 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, demonstrating the growing demand for narrowbody aircraft among the country's airlines.

The expansion of narrowbody fleets by Israeli carriers is expected to facilitate the development of underserved markets, such as Eilat and Ovda, as well as increased frequencies on popular routes.

Ben Gurion Airport's new Terminal 3 is expected to increase capacity by 50%, paving the way for more passengers and flights to accommodate the surge in tourism.


Israeli Carriers Spread Their Wings Expanding Narrowbody Fleets for Growth - Growing Demand Fuels Fleet Renewal Initiatives





The global aviation industry is witnessing a strong rebound, with carriers across the world, including in Israel, actively renewing and expanding their fleets to meet the surge in passenger demand.

Israeli airlines like El Al and Israir are leading the charge, announcing ambitious fleet expansion plans that include the acquisition of new, more fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft.

These fleet renewal initiatives aim to enhance operational efficiency, competitiveness, and connectivity, allowing the airlines to cater to the booming tourism industry in Israel.

Despite supply chain challenges, the carriers are leveraging favorable financing options and government support to expedite their fleet modernization efforts, positioning themselves for sustained growth in the years to come.

The global fleet continued to grow in 2022, with an increasing number of carriers focusing on fleet renewal initiatives to meet rising demand.

El Al, Israel's national airline, aims to increase its fleet size by 50 aircraft by 2036, a significant expansion to accommodate the surge in travel demand.

Israir, a low-cost carrier in Israel, has ordered 100 new narrowbody jets over the next decade, underscoring the widespread adoption of fleet renewal among Israeli airlines.

Companies like DHL are replacing aging planes with new, more fuel-efficient models, such as the Boeing 777 freighters, to reduce emissions in the air cargo market.

The cost of shipping goods from Frankfurt to Tel Aviv has risen due to increasing demand and limited capacity, highlighting the challenges faced in the airfreight industry.

Delta Air Lines has achieved a 8% fuel efficiency improvement in 2021, equivalent to a savings of 225 million gallons of fuel, through its fleet renewal efforts.

Israeli airlines have secured competitive financing packages from global aviation manufacturers and leasing companies to expedite their fleet renewal plans.

Favorable government policies and supportive regulatory measures have facilitated the expansion plans of Israeli airlines, enabling them to capitalize on the growing demand.

The new Boeing 737-800 aircraft being acquired by El Al will feature a higher-density configuration, allowing the airline to increase capacity on key European routes.

Ben Gurion Airport's new Terminal 3 is expected to increase capacity by 50%, paving the way for more passengers and flights to accommodate the surge in tourism.

The expansion of narrowbody fleets by Israeli carriers is expected to facilitate the development of underserved markets, such as Eilat and Ovda, as well as increased frequencies on popular routes.

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