Arkia Breaks El Al’s Monopoly with New Tel Aviv-New York Direct Flights, Promising Lower Airfares
in a bold move set to shake up the Israeli aviation industry, Arkia Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights between Tel Aviv and new York, effectively breaking El Al’s long-standing monopoly on the route. This development is expected to bring meaningful relief to travelers, notably those in Israel’s high-tech sector, who have been grappling with skyrocketing ticket prices.
The decision comes in the wake of United Airlines and Delta Air Lines suspending their operations to Israel, leaving El Al as the sole carrier on the route. With no competition, El Al reportedly increased ticket prices to as much as $3,000, triple the cost when American airlines were still operating.This surge has hit frequent flyers hard, especially professionals in the high-tech industry, who rely on regular travel for business.
In response to this crisis, a group of tech executives and investors founded AIRTECH, an initiative aimed at providing affordable travel solutions.Partnering with Arkia, the collaboration seeks to address the growing demand for cost-effective flights. “This partnership is a direct response to the needs of Israel’s high-tech industry,” said a spokesperson for AIRTECH.
the Aircraft and Flight Schedule
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To operate the long-haul route, Arkia has leased an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft from Iberojet, a Spanish-Portuguese airline. This decision was necessary because Arkia’s existing fleet, including the Airbus A320neoLR and Embraer aircraft, lacks the range to fly nonstop between Tel Aviv and New York. The A330 can fly for 10-12 hours without refueling, making it ideal for the journey.
Flights will operate three times a week, with departures from Ben Gurion Airport on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays at 12:00 PM, and on Saturdays at 11:30 PM. Return flights from JFK Airport will depart on sundays and Tuesdays at 3:00 PM, and on Thursdays at 4:00 PM.
| Flight Details | Schedule |
|———————————-|———————————-|
| Departure (TLV-JFK) | Mon,Wed: 12:00 PM; Sat: 11:30 PM|
| Return (JFK-TLV) | sun,Tue: 3:00 PM; Thu: 4:00 PM |
| Aircraft | Airbus A330 (leased from Iberojet)|
| Frequency | 3 flights per week |
A Game-changer for Israeli Aviation
The introduction of arkia’s flights marks a significant milestone in Israeli aviation. For years, El Al has dominated the Tel Aviv-New York route, operating 14 weekly flights to New york alone, out of it’s 50 weekly flights to North America. While Arkia’s initial offering of three weekly flights is modest in comparison, it represents a crucial step toward fostering competition.
“This is a historic and important day for Arkia,” said CEO Oz berlovich.“The launch of the direct flight line Tel Aviv – New York is an critically important milestone, which demonstrates our commitment to the Israeli public and to finding aviation solutions even in challenging times.”
What Lies Ahead?
The big question on everyone’s mind is what happens after May, when the initial flight schedule concludes. Industry experts are closely watching Arkia’s performance, with many wondering if the airline will expand its operations. Could this pave the way for flights to other popular destinations, such as Thailand, where arkia previously operated a Boeing 767 in 2018?
For now, the focus remains on the Tel Aviv-New York route. With Arkia’s entry into the market, travelers can expect more competitive pricing and improved service. As the Israeli aviation industry enters a new era, one thing is certain: 2025 is shaping up to be a year of change.
Stay tuned for updates on Arkia’s progress and its impact on the aviation landscape. For more information on the partnership between Arkia and AIRTECH, visit the official announcement here.
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This article is based exclusively on information from the provided source. For further details, refer to the original announcement here.
Israel Expands Air Travel to North America with New Licensing Agreement
In a groundbreaking move for the Israeli aviation industry, Transport Minister Miri Regev announced a new licensing agreement that will significantly expand flight options to North America. This development, made possible through negotiations with U.S. officials, marks a pivotal moment for Israeli airlines and travelers alike.
The agreement allows Israeli carriers to operate direct flights to key destinations in the United States and Canada, including New York.This expansion is expected to foster competition, lower ticket prices, and provide more diverse travel options for Israeli citizens, tourists, and business professionals.
A Game-Changer for Israeli Aviation
Transport Minister Miri Regev emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “I welcome the fact that Arki responded positively to our offer and entered the aviation market to the US and Canada.This is a move that will expand the offer of flights to North America and help Israeli citizens, tourists, and business people find flights at affordable prices.”
The licensing agreement was the result of extensive discussions between Israeli and American officials, including the U.S. Transport Commissioner and professionals from the Israeli Ministry of Transport. Regev highlighted the collaborative effort, noting, “The move was made possible as a result of the discussions I had with the American Transport Commissioner and the professionals in the RTA and the Ministry of Transport in front of the American officials.”
Economic Incentives and Passenger Benefits
to encourage airlines to increase their flight offerings, the Israeli government has introduced several economic incentives. These include financial support for airlines operating direct flights to the U.S. and compensation for passengers in the event of cancellations due to security concerns.
Regev explained, “the state will participate in financing compensation for passengers if they are cancelled, due to the security situation, to encourage companies to increase the scope of their flights. Economic incentives for these airlines will lead to a high level of activity on routes to North America and thus help lower prices for citizens.”
This initiative is expected to strengthen Israeli airlines, boost the national economy, and make air travel more accessible to the public.
key Benefits of the New Licensing Agreement
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Expanded Flight Options | Direct flights to New York and other U.S. destinations. |
| Lower Ticket Prices | Increased competition and government incentives to reduce costs. |
| Economic Growth | Strengthening of Israeli airlines and the broader economy. |
| Passenger Protections | Compensation for cancellations due to security concerns. |
A Bright Future for Israeli Travelers
The new licensing agreement is poised to transform the way Israelis travel to North America. With more airlines entering the market, passengers can expect greater flexibility, competitive pricing, and enhanced service quality.
Regev concluded, “This move will contribute to the strengthening of Israeli airlines, to the strengthening of the Israeli economy, and will lower the price of tickets for the public.”
as the Israeli aviation industry takes flight with this historic agreement, travelers can look forward to a new era of connectivity and convenience.
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For more updates on travel and aviation news, visit Jewish Traveler.Papaya Global and Arkia Join Forces to Boost Israel’s Economic Resilience Amid Challenges
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Papaya Global, a leading workforce management platform, has partnered with Arkia, Israel’s second-largest airline, to address the economic challenges faced by businesses during turbulent times. The initiative aims to ensure business continuity and growth, even in the face of adversity.
Einat Gaz, CEO of Papaya Global, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are happy with the collaboration with the company ‘Arkia’ and we thank him for joining the challenge and helping to make the collaboration a reality. Israel’s resilience is based, among other things, on the economy, and we tried to find a solution that would allow us to continue to operate the companies in a way that would maintain growth and business activity, even in such a challenging time for everyone.”
The collaboration comes at a critical juncture, as businesses worldwide grapple with operational disruptions. Gaz emphasized that the primary concern was the potential for significant damage to business operations. “the major concern was about the continued and significant damage to business operations, and this collaboration is an important response to that,” she added.
A Win-Win for Businesses and Travelers
As part of the partnership, Arkia is offering round-trip flights starting at $1,199, inclusive of one piece of luggage weighing up to 20 kg. These flights are designed to support business travel, enabling companies to maintain their operations seamlessly.Travelers can book their flights directly on the Arkia website.
This initiative not only supports businesses but also provides an affordable travel option for individuals looking to explore new opportunities or reconnect with global markets.
Key Highlights of the Collaboration
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Partners | Papaya Global and Arkia |
| Objective | Ensure business continuity and economic resilience |
| Flight Offer | Round-trip flights starting at $1,199, including 20 kg luggage |
| Booking Platform | Arkia’s official website |
| CEO Statement | Einat Gaz emphasizes the importance of economic resilience in challenging times |
Why This Collaboration Matters
The partnership between Papaya Global and Arkia underscores the importance of innovative solutions in maintaining economic stability. By leveraging Papaya Global’s expertise in workforce management and Arkia’s robust travel infrastructure, the collaboration aims to create a seamless experience for businesses and travelers alike.
This initiative is a testament to Israel’s resilience and its ability to adapt to challenges. As Gaz aptly put it, “Israel’s resilience is based, among other things, on the economy.”
How to Get Involved
For businesses and individuals looking to take advantage of this collaboration, booking flights through Arkia’s website is the first step. Whether you’re a business traveler or an adventurer, this partnership offers a unique prospect to stay connected and keep moving forward.
Book your flight today and be part of this innovative effort to strengthen Israel’s economic resilience.
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This collaboration between Papaya Global and Arkia is more than just a business partnership—it’s a testament to the power of innovation and resilience in challenging times. Stay tuned for more updates as this initiative unfolds.
rn was the potential for significant damage to business operations,” she explained. “We wanted to ensure that companies could continue to function and grow, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.”
How the Partnership Works
The partnership between Papaya Global and Arkia leverages the strengths of both organizations to provide innovative solutions for businesses. Papaya Global offers a comprehensive workforce management platform that simplifies payroll, compliance, and HR processes for global teams.Meanwhile, Arkia brings its expertise in aviation and logistics, enabling businesses to maintain connectivity and supply chain efficiency.
Together,the two companies aim to:
- Enhance Business Continuity: By providing tools and resources to help businesses adapt to disruptions,the partnership ensures that companies can continue operating smoothly.
- Support Economic Resilience: The collaboration focuses on strengthening Israel’s economy by enabling businesses to thrive despite external challenges.
- Foster Innovation: By combining technology and aviation expertise, the partnership encourages innovative solutions to complex problems.
Why This Matters
the partnership between Papaya Global and Arkia is more than just a business collaboration—it’s a testament to israel’s resilience and ingenuity. In times of crisis, the ability to adapt and innovate becomes crucial, and this initiative demonstrates how businesses can come together to overcome challenges.
Einat Gaz highlighted the broader implications of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is not just about solving immediate problems; it’s about building a foundation for long-term resilience. By working together,we can create a stronger,more adaptable economy that benefits everyone.”
Looking Ahead
as the partnership between Papaya Global and Arkia takes flight, the focus will be on delivering tangible benefits to businesses and the economy. The collaboration is expected to serve as a model for other industries, showcasing how innovation and cooperation can drive success in challenging times.
For more details on this partnership and its impact, visit the official proclamation here.
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This article is based on information from the provided source. For further details, refer to the original announcement here.
