El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) resumed scheduled B777-200ER operations on July 24, 2022, more than two years after all six units of the type were parked in June 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4X-ECD (msn 33169) was reactivated on July 12, but initially only for training flights between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion and Eilat Ramon. It operated its first international service, to Paris CDG, on July 24, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. While it continues to be used mainly for training flights for now, the Israeli carrier said it has plans to use the B777s on its most in-demand leisure routes.
"In light of the great demand for flights during the summer and holidays, we are returning some of the B777 aircraft to the fleet. The planes will initially be used to increase the flight schedule to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Dubai International, Athens, and other popular destinations this season," El Al said in a statement.
Business newspaper Globes indicated the carrier reached an agreement with pilots to reactivate two out of its six B777-200(ER)s. The aircraft, which are 19.1 years old on average, are configured for up to 279 passengers, including six in first class, 35 in business, 34 in economy plus, and 204 in economy. Contrary to El Al's newer B787-8s and B787-9s, they are not outfitted with a premium economy cabin. The airline plans to refurbish the B777s' in-flight entertainment system during the fourth quarter of 2022.
The ch-aviation fleets module shows that El Al's widebody fleet also comprises three B787-8s and twelve -9s. The final -9 is due for deferred delivery in March 2023.
