El Al Israel Airlines orders 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Carrier to receive 787 9 this year
Boeing and El Al Israel Airlines signed a landmark agreement for up to 31 new 737 MAX aircraft, marking a critical step in the Israeli flag carrier’s modernisation strategy. This deal will replace the airline’s existing fleet of Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
The undisclosed amount order for the 737 MAX follows El Al’s earlier acquisition of three additional 787-9 aircraft with options for six more. The airline is scheduled to receive a new 787 9 later this year and plans to lease two more 787-9s in the coming years.
The 737 MAX aircraft will deliver superior per-seat economics, improved environmental performance, and enhanced passenger comfort. Notably, it is designed to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20% compared to the aircraft it replaces and features a 50% reduction in noise footprint.
Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia, CEO of El Al, hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment for the airline: “This is a significant milestone for El Al, which will allow us to offer our customers the most advanced service and technology experience in the industry.
“The long-term procurement plan, which started with acquiring an additional 787 Dreamliners earlier this year and culminates in this current deal, underscores our commitment to the Israeli public and the state.”
Ben-Tal Ganancia further emphasised El Al’s strategic vision: “El Al plays a crucial role in maintaining open skies for Israel. Our strategic plan aims to expand our fleet, enhance customer value, and increase capacity and seating. This will ensure that EL AL remains a strong and growing company for many years.”
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted: “We are honoured that El Al has chosen Boeing aircraft to support its past, present, and future. With over seven decades of collaboration, we are excited to deliver the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner jets that will help reshape and expand El Al’s fleet in the years ahead.”
Featured image: 737 MAX aircraft deliver superior per-seat economics, improved environmental performance, and enhanced passenger comfort. Credit: Boeing
