El Al Expansion Largest In Its History
El Al Israel Airlines is making an aggressive move to refresh its long-haul fleet with its largest aircraft acquisition ever.
According to CEO David Maimon (pictured), the airline is set to conduct negotiations with Boeing Corporation for the purchase and lease of 15 new wide-body 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft – valued at about US$3.4 billion, as well as an additional purchase option for 13 more.
Delivery is expected to commence in mid-2017.
In related news, the company presented its second quarter results, showing a profit of US$17.3 million.
“I am proud to announce today the largest aircraft acquisition program in the history of El Al. The board of directors approved for the company to conduct negotiations with Boeing Corporation for procurement of wide-body Dreamliner aircraft, which is expected to include the purchase and lease of 15 aircraft in the next five years. This move is expected to constitute a significant step forward in the optimization of the network of routes, passenger service and flight experience.”
He added, “During the next five years these aircraft shall replace the 747-400 and 767 fleets and are designated to fly to medium- and long-haul destinations (New York, Boston, Toronto, Bangkok, Beijing, Mumbai, South Africa and more). These aircraft are the latest and most advanced in the world, with many operational advantages, and they are considered to be efficient and economical in terms of fuel consumption, utilization and maintenance costs.”
