While most attention in Israel’s aviation sector focuses on foreign carriers returning and expected summer congestion, Israir—owned by businessman Rami Levy—has quietly advanced one of the most significant moves in the company’s history. Over the weekend, another major step was completed in a months-long process, and the carrier now appears close to the decisive point that will allow it to enter a new and highly sought-after market.
2+Over the weekend, Israir’s first Airbus A330 landed at Ben Gurion Airport, another significant step in preparations to launch a direct route between Israel and New York, planned to begin operating in August. The aircraft arrived from the United States flown by an Israir crew led by captains Joel Ben Peretz and Amir Weingarten. It’s the first of two A330s the company purchased in a deal worth approximately $85 million. The second aircraft is already in the region and expected to join in the coming days—currently parked in Larnaca, partly due to the shortage of aircraft parking spaces in Israel.
The aircraft’s landing in Israel marks a central stage in the lengthy process the company is undergoing on its way to receiving final approvals to operate long-haul flights. In the coming weeks, the aircraft are expected to be used for training air crews, maintenance teams, and ground staff, alongside completing licensing procedures and required inspections with authorities. Industry sources estimate that if timelines hold, Israir could conduct a demonstration flight to the United States by the end of the month—one of the final steps before receiving approvals to operate the commercial route.
2+Meanwhile, the company continues preparing operationally to launch the new route. The A330s, designated for long-haul flights, are also expected to enter service in July on select European flights as part of completing training and operational buildup toward the main destination: New York. Launching the route is expected to mark a significant shift for Israir, which until now has focused primarily on flights to Europe and vacation destinations around the Mediterranean. Entry into the direct North America flight market will place it alongside Israeli carriers operating long-haul flights and increase competition on Israel’s most sought-after route. Going forward, the company is expected to launch other long-haul destinations such as Thailand, Japan, and others.
With the addition of the two new aircraft, the company’s fleet is expected to reach 18 aircraft—owned and leased—during the summer. But at this stage, most attention is focused on one goal: completing training, receiving final approvals, and the race to launch flights to New York.
2+After years of talk about Israir entering the U.S. flight market, the company now appears closer than ever to realizing the plan. If no unexpected delays occur, the first passengers are expected to board an Israir flight to New York in just a few weeks. Ticket sales for the New York route are expected to open soon, alongside the launch of a joint credit card club from Israir, Rami Levy, and Isracard, which will allow customers to accumulate dollars for redemption on flights and vacation packages.