For more than a year now it has been difficult to fly to and from Israel, with Israel’s national airline El Al being the only airline to consistently offer service. This is because since the October 7, 2023, barbaric Hamas terror Massacre Israel has been under constant attack by rockets launched from both Gaza and Lebanon, so foreign carriers cancelled their flights. Now the Israel High-Tech Forum says it wants to free Israelis from the whims of foreign airlines by establishing a new one that will start by offering flights to and from the U.S.
The Israel High-Tech Forum also said that revealed that upcoming flight prices will be more affordable than those currently available on direct routes between Israel and Newark Airport in New Jersey.
According to the headquarters, negotiations are currently in progress with several airlines to launch weekly direct flights between Tel Aviv and Newark Airport. This route is projected to involve 36 total flights. The aircraft under consideration for these flights include Airbus 300 and 330 models, capable of accommodating 264 economy passengers and 16 business class passengers. Additionally, a Dreamliner is being evaluated, offering approximately 300 economy seats and 30 business class seats. These aircraft will be leased on a ‘wet lease’ arrangement, which entails the airline leasing the aircraft along with its crew, security personnel, ground handling services, maintenance, and other operational costs.
“To ensure the viability of this route, multiple companies must commit to purchasing up to $20,000 in tickets, either directly or for resale to travel agents,” said the organization. “This commitment will secure the airline’s participation. Profits from the operation will be shared among participating companies, with additional revenue generated through cargo transportation.”
“There is an ongoing shortage of flights, and currently, there are no solutions for those needing to fly to the U.S. Availability is low, and prices are extremely high. We decided not to wait for solutions from the Ministry of Transport and to take action ourselves. We are opening up this opportunity to the general public and hope to begin ticket sales through travel agents in the coming days. We are committed to fair pricing, comparable to pre-war flights to the U.S. If demand is high, we will work to expand the routes.”
