Israel’s El Al outlines fleet growth, renews options

Israel's El Al defers B737-800 freighter EIS

Israel hopes for direct Hajj flights in 2023

The Israeli Foreign Minister has submitted a request to the Saudi authorities to permit direct Hajj charters from Israel during the 2023 pilgrimage, with the issue now under discussion.

Eli Cohen told Israel's Galei Tzahal/Army Radio that so far, no decisions have been made, but he remains optimistic about "making peace with Saudi Arabia". He did not elaborate on whether the flights would be operated by El Al Israel Airlines or Saudia. In most countries, only flag carriers are designated for Hajj charters.

The two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations but have been growing closer over the last months. Despite not joining the 2020 Abraham Accords recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia has permitted all carriers flying to and from the country - including Israeli ones - to transit its airspace.

Currently, Israeli Muslims have to fly for Hajj from airports abroad. Israel has been seeking approval for direct flights for years and reportedly came close to obtaining it for the 2022 Hajj.

Controlling owner raises El Al stake

Israel's El Al inks LOI for Melbourne flights

Proposed El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) flights linking Tel Aviv with Melbourne Tullamarine have moved a step closer after the airline and Victoria State Government signed a letter of intent (LOI) to begin services by June 2024.

The airline first indicated it was interested in flying to the Victorian capital prior to the pandemic. In late 2019, it flagged flights to begin in the second quarter of 2020. The idea was re-floated in mid-2022 amid a recovering aviation sector and the prospects of Saudi Arabia and Oman opening their airspace to Israeli airlines.

At the LOI signing ceremony in Tel Aviv on March 15, the state's minister for industry and innovation, Ben Carroll, said El Al would join a list of airlines resuming or starting flights to Melbourne that have been "supported" by the state government. The flights will add 44,000 seats a year in and out of the airport, he said, boosting the state's economy by AUD48 million Australian dollars (USD32 million) annually.

"We’re partnering with El...