aviation : Connections between Tel Aviv and New York in difficult times – Aviation.Direct

Arkia Israeli Airlines, the third airline among Israeli airlines, will receive a new directorate for Tel Aviv and New York JFK on February 9, 2024. The move comes at a time of growing demand for transatlantic flights between Israel and the US, while major American airlines have suspended services due to the political situation in the region.

The new route will be operated in partnership with TechAir, a non-profit organization that will help Israeli startups, investors and companies access the American market. TechAir emphasizes minimizing the logistical hurdles and current costs for business travel between Israel and the USA.

Since Arkia itself does not have aircraft suitable for long-haul flights, the route is served by an Airbus A330-900neo from the Spanish-Portuguese charter airline Iberojet. Iberojet provides both the aircraft and technical staff, while Arkia deploys additional cabin crew to provide cultural and linguistic support. The aircraft in use can accommodate 371 passengers and will fly three times a week between Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and New York JFK.

Background: Impact of the political situation on aviation

Arkia’s decision to establish this connection was necessitated by a significant reduction in the number of flights between Israel and the USA. Since the start of the conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have suspended all direct flights. El Al has been the only airline to continue offering direct flights between the two countries, leading to an increase in airfares. Many passengers have to resort to connecting connections in Europe, which lengthens travel times and reduces comfort.

The new Arkia connection is intended not only to close the gap in the market, but also to place a special focus on the needs of the Israeli high-tech industry. TechAir emphasizes that this connection is specifically tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and business travelers.

Flights between Tel Aviv and New York will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until at least May 2025. The departure times are tailored to offer business travelers and tourists the greatest possible flexibility. Round-trip economy class tickets start at $1,199 and include baggage allowance, seat selection and meals.

Significance for Arkia and Israeli air traffic

For Arkia, the launch of this connection represents a significant milestone. The company’s CEO, Oz Berlowitz, described the start of direct flights as a “historic day”. The route underlines Arkia’s commitment to finding solutions to the challenges of Israeli aviation, even under difficult conditions. The cooperation with Iberojet also shows how airlines can close operational gaps through international partnerships.