Israir to begin New York flights in September after $85m. investment in two Airbus A330 aircraft
The first flight from Tel Aviv to New York is scheduled for September 15, while the first flight from New York to Israel is planned for September 17.
Israir Airlines is set to launch its New York service in September following a substantial investment. The company confirmed on Monday that ticket sales for the route will commence on Monday night. The inaugural flight from Tel Aviv to New York is slated for September 15, while the first outbound flight from New York to Israel is planned for September 17.
The airline disclosed that it finalized the necessary operational and regulatory preparations for the new wide-body aircraft within three and a half months. On May 27, Israir completed the final payment of approximately $85 million for the purchase of two Airbus A330 aircraft. This investment encompasses service-related modifications and an inventory of spare parts.
Since the acquisition, Israir has secured over 60 agreements pertinent to the new operation and obtained essential approvals from the Israel Civil Aviation Authority, the US Department of Transportation, and the US Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA approval, acquired in August, marked the concluding regulatory hurdle for the airline to commence transatlantic flights to the US, following earlier US Department of Transportation clearance and ticket sales authorization.
In tandem with the A330 fleet, Israir has onboarded and trained specialized air crews to ensure seamless operations. The integration of the wider aircraft will be executed methodically, with a focus on prioritizing safety, efficiency, and customer experience. The company emphasizes that this phased approach aims to guarantee a secure and smooth transition.
Israir's decision to introduce these wide-body aircraft is part of a comprehensive expansion strategy unveiled by the carrier. The airline had previously earmarked the acquisition of two Airbus A330 aircraft to broaden its scope beyond traditional short- and medium-haul routes and establish transatlantic services. The Super Fly credit card, innovative technology, strengthened commercial agreements, strategic partnerships, and growth at its in-house maintenance center are key initiatives Israir is leveraging to drive this expansion.
Beyond the two A330s the company will operate directly, Israir plans to utilize two additional wide-body aircraft under wet-lease arrangements. This model involves supplying the aircraft along with crew and operational support. Furthermore, the airline is on track to introduce a third self-operated wide-body aircraft during the second half of 2027, as per the company's strategic roadmap.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
