Israir’s Bid for the Big Apple
Once upon a time, in a land where EL AL reigned supreme, a lone Israeli airline chartered the skies across the Atlantic to the United States. Today, that airspace is about to get a lot more crowded. Recent revelations reveal that Arkia has joined the party with its own Tel Aviv to New York route, bringing their trusty A330 companions along for the ride. Now, folks, brace yourselves—a third contender has tossed its hat into the ring.
Israir’s Plans for U.S. Flights Launch
Israir, not one to be left behind, has crafted a pitch that’s now sitting pretty on the desk of the United States Department of Transportation. They’re dreaming big, aiming for skies over New York come July 1, 2025. Six weekly flights are on the wish list, and judging by previous encounters—Israir used to fly stateside till market blunders zapped them out—this could be a homecoming of sorts.
The hurdle? Well, their trusty fleet of eight Airbus A320s can’t quite make that transatlantic leap. So, they’re eyeing a workaround with wet leases for Airbus A330-200s. In this wet lease dance, Israir sells the glitz and glam, while someone else brings the planes and crews. As of now, it’s still a big mystery who’s pairing up with Israir for this aerial escapade.
Now, red tape is a different beast altogether, but I’m betting Israir will hurdle through those hoops. However, pinning down those aircraft leases could still be a cliffhanger.
The Perks of Competition for Israeli Flights
Since October 2023, let’s just say flying to Israel hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park. Safety concerns rained on the parade, leaving EL AL the proverbial last airline standing—and reaping a windfall in profits as a result.
The flying bug has bitten travelers all this time, but getting flights off the ground consistently and safely was the real challenge. EL AL thrived in its cocoon, relying on home turf and techy aircraft jam-packed with safety gadgets most airlines could only dream of.
Breathe easy, friends! The skies over Israel are clearing, and long-haul flights are trickling back into play. United is dusting off their wings come late March 2025, and Delta’s all set to follow suit in early April 2025.
As Arkia takes flight and Israir gets ready to join, a question lingers like a fine mist: Is this just a temporary soiree with leased aircraft, or could we see these airlines play for keeps, eventually bagging planes of their own for the long haul?
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The Crystal Ball: What’s Next?
Israir is inching closer to reintroducing its flights across the Atlantic with leased wide-body aircraft, hoping to grace New York skies by July 2025. Six flights a week is the game plan, but as with any grand scheme, there’s devilry in the details yet to be seen.
It’s a new dawn with EL AL no longer flying solo for those coveted routes. Arkia, soon Delta, United, and potentially Israir are all tuned up and ready. This lively competition might just ignite an aviation renaissance for travelers.
So, what’s your take on Israir diving into the New York sky race?