EL AL Israel Airlines has finalized an agreement with Boeing for up to 31 737 MAX jets, marking the airline’s largest aircraft purchase in its 76-year history. The deal, announced on August 15, 2024, is part of El Al’s strategy to renew its fleet of 737 Next Generation airplanes and increase capacity.
Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia, CEO of EL AL Israel Airlines, called the agreement “a significant milestone” that will allow the airline to offer customers “the most advanced service and technology experience in the industry.”
The 737 MAX family is expected to improve El Al’s per-seat economics and environmental performance. Boeing claims the new aircraft will reduce fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the planes they replace, while also decreasing the noise footprint by 50%.
This order follows El Al’s purchase earlier this year of three additional 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for six more. The airline plans to receive one new 787-9 this year and two more on lease in the coming years.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed gratitude for El Al’s continued partnership, stating, “We know EL AL depends on the versatility and reliability of Boeing airplanes, and we look forward to delivering the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner jets that will reshape and grow the airline in the coming decades.”
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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