Carrier Hopes to Upgrade and Modernize its Fleet

Boeing and EL AL Israel Airlines have finalized their agreement for up to 31 737 MAX jets. This follows the carrier’s plans to expand and modernize their single-aisle fleet.

EL AL Israel Airlines is its nation’s flagship carrier. It was established alongside the state of Israel in 1948 to foster worldwide connection and express pride. The International Air Transport Association has since rated it as one of the world’s most efficient carriers.

Earlier this year, EL AL Israel Airlines ordered three new 787-9 airplanes with an option for six more. Their lease will allow delivery of one 787-9 this year and two more in coming years.

Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia, the CEO of EL AL Israel Airlines, commented: "EL AL has a central role in ensuring open skies for Israel. The implementation of our strategic plan - which aims to expand the fleet, increase the value proposition for customers and increase capacity and seating."

Its current fleet consists of all Boeing aircraft. It has 17 Dreamliners, including four 787-8, twelve 787-9, and one 787-9 EDN. The carrier also has six 777, fourteen 737-800, two 737-800 Sun, and eight 737-900 ER jets. This totals 47 Boeing aircraft currently in service. 

"We are honored EL AL has chosen Boeing airplanes to power its past, present and future as we continue to build on seven decades of partnership," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The new order calls for 31 total Boeing 737 MAX jets. It guarantees delivery of 20 737 MAX 9 jets, valued at $1.5 billion. EL AL will also have a purchase option for 11 more of this same model, which would push the order value to $2.5 billion. This family significantly expands EL AL’s seating capacity, overall enhancing their per-seat economics.

This milestone marks the largest order in the airline’s history. Its implementation, Ben-Tal Ganancia explains, "once again demonstrates [EL AL’s] commitment to the Israeli public and the state."

FMI: www.elal.com, www.boeing.com