On August 15, 2024, Israeli airline El Al took a historic step and completed the largest aircraft purchase in its 76-year history. The agreement reached with Boeing includes the acquisition of up to 31 Boeing 737 Max jets and marks a significant milestone for the airline. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to modernize the fleet and ensure competitiveness in the global aviation market.
The agreement between El Al and Boeing provides for the purchase of 20 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, with options for 11 more aircraft. The new jets are scheduled to be delivered starting in 2028. The cost of this order is $1,5 billion, although the price could rise to as much as $2,5 billion if the options for additional aircraft are exercised. This order represents the largest single aircraft purchase in El Al's history and underlines the airline's commitment to modernizing its fleet and improving service to its customers.
Strategic importance and investment plan
El Al CEO Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia commented on the deal, calling it a "significant milestone" for the airline. "This contract allows us to offer our customers the most modern service and advanced technology in the industry," explained Ben-Tal Ganancia. The new order follows the purchase of three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners earlier this year, which also came with options for six more aircraft. These investments are part of a long-term procurement plan aimed at expanding El Al's fleet, increasing capacity and improving the value proposition for customers.
The 737 Max jets will replace the older fleet of Boeing 737-800 and 737-900 aircraft. This modernization is not only designed to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs, but also to improve comfort and the overall quality of the flight experience for passengers.
Partnership with Boeing
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed her delight at El Al's decision to continue to rely on Boeing aircraft. "We are honored that El Al has chosen Boeing aircraft to secure its past, present and future. We know El Al relies on the versatility and reliability of Boeing aircraft, and we look forward to delivering the 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner jets that will reshape and grow the airline for decades to come," said Pope.
The partnership between El Al and Boeing has a long history, based on almost seven decades of collaboration. This continuity in the partnership is reflected in the airline's decision to rely on the latest Boeing models to meet the future needs of the market.
Further investments and fleet planning
In addition to the 737 Max order, El Al also has plans to acquire additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The airline plans to acquire one new 787-9 this year and lease two more new 787-9s in the coming years. These additional aircraft will help expand El Al's international routes and further increase the airline's aviation capacity.
The investment in the new fleet is part of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at strengthening El Al's role as a key connection for Israel and taking customer service to new levels. The decision to add both the 737 Max and the 787 Dreamliner to the fleet demonstrates El Al's determination to consolidate its position in the global market and meet the demands of modern aviation.
With the largest order in its history, El Al is ensuring that it is well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades. Modernizing the fleet through the purchase of Boeing 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner is a strategic move that will not only increase efficiency and comfort, but also secure the airline's long-term competitiveness. The historic purchase marks a significant turning point in El Al's history and underlines the airline's commitment to providing its customers with the latest technologies and best services.
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