Covers Logo on Fuselage

Haaretz has reported that El Al has found yet another use for "200-mph tape," [do they make '500 mph tape?'] covering its logo on two recent flights into Bangkok.

Reporter Zohar Blumenkrantz says the quickie camo job was done, "to protect against possible terrorist attacks."

El Al received credible notice of planned AlQaeda attacks, Blumenkrantz says, that were to be accomplished by AlQaeda operatives firing shoulder-fired missiles, in Thailand. The airline's response, rather than perhaps canceling or diverting flights, or developing a code-share, was to simply cover up the airline's logo, and fly on in. Of course, El Al also increased its already-strong security for flights to Thailand, and beefed up security around the airport and terminals, as well.

El Al says, "All El Al planes fly with the company name, logo and Israeli flag." The name, on the fuselage, was all that was covered up -- and only on two flights, according to what we have been able to find out.

Last month, Blumenkrantz writes, El Al announced a terror threat, and its booking rate declined. Taping over the airline's name apparently didn't result in trip cancellations. El Al hasn't said whether it will continue the tactic in the future.

[I'd just like to get a roll of that tape; and I wonder what kind of STC-type clearance was needed to get it approved --ed.]

FMI: www.elal.co.il