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Israir Launches Tel Aviv–New York Flights September 15

9/8/2026

Summary

Israir Launches NY

Israir will launch scheduled Tel Aviv–New York flights beginning September 15.
The airline secured final approvals from the U.S. FAA, DOT and Israel’s civil aviation authority.
One-way tickets cost $950 and round-trip $1,900, with sales starting tonight.
Israir will operate two Airbus A330 jets bought for $85 million.
Flights start with three weekly services, rising to daily by late October.

Summary

Israir Expands Fleet

Israir will supplement its fleet with two wet-lease wide-body aircraft for the transatlantic launch.
$85 million investment includes service modifications and a spare-parts inventory for the new wide-body fleet.
Israir’s maintenance centre will expand to service the A330s as part of its growth strategy.
Dedicated air crews were recruited and trained specifically for A330 transatlantic operations.
The carrier will leverage its Super Fly credit-card program to promote the new U.S. service.

History

Historical Context

When COVID-19 spread in early 2020, El Al halted its Beijing service on 30 January and cut European flights, prompting a proposal to lay off one-sixth of its 6,200 staff and slash pilot wages to 20 percent. This abrupt contraction of Israel’s flagship carrier underscores the vulnerability of its international route network, prompting later airlines to consider state-backed expansion.

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Israir Launches NY

Israir will launch scheduled Tel Aviv–New York flights beginning September 15.
The airline secured final approvals from the U.S. FAA, DOT and Israel’s civil aviation authority.
One-way tickets cost $950 and round-trip $1,900, with sales starting tonight.
Israir will operate two Airbus A330 jets bought for $85 million.
Flights start with three weekly services, rising to daily by late October.

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