Summary
- EL AL is reportedly expanding its fleet with up to nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
- The carrier earlier stated that it aims to grow the single-aisle fleet from 24 to 31 and the 787 fleet from 16 to 22 aircraft.
- EL AL aims for a record summer schedule with 52 US flights in July 2024.
The Israeli flag carrier EL AL is reportedly expanding its widebody fleet. The airline has signed a deal for a preliminary order for up to nine additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, according to a report by FlightGlobal.
The reported deal encompasses three 787-9 Dreamliners with options for another six. Three 787-9 Dreamliners are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2030. Simple Flying has asked EL AL for a comment but did not receive a reply at the time of publication.
More widebodies
While the deal remains pending, discussions regarding fleet expansion appear promising. EL AL, having concluded the fourth quarter of 2023 profitably, outlined plans for its fleet in February 2024.
Referred to as “the replacement and renewal campaign,” the airline said earlier that it aims to increase its single-aisle fleet from 24 to between 28 and 31 aircraft from 2028 to 2030. Concurrently, the current Boeing 787 fleet is slated to grow from 16 to 22 aircraft between 2028 and 2030.
EL AL Ends 2023 With A Profit While Eyeing New Aircraft Order
The airline has revealed that it still plans to expand its fleet in the next five to six years, including more Boeing 787 aircraft.
Expanding its fleet with more widebodies opens up more significant opportunities for growth. If the six options for the 787s are exercised, their arrival is anticipated from 2030 onwards. According to the report, this timeline hinges on the confirmation of the options and the availability of Boeing aircraft.
Presently, the airline operates a fleet comprising 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including four of the smaller 787-8 variants and twelve of the larger 787-9 variants, according to ch-aviation data. As for its current order book, the airline has three more 787-9s awaiting delivery by 2026.
Photo: Ceri Breeze | Shutterstock
The airline’s 787-9 is designed to accommodate 271 passengers across four cabin classes, comprising 129 in economy, 75 in economy plus, 35 in premium economy, and 32 in business class. Meanwhile, the airline’s 787-8 configuration consists of a total of 235 seats across four cabin classes, with 111 in economy, 72 in economy plus, 35 in premium economy, and 20 in business class.
In addition to the 787 Dreamliners, the airline also operates four Boeing 777-200ER widebody aircraft, as per ch-aviation. However, EL AL’s 777-200ER has a greater capacity compared to its 787s, accommodating a total of 279 passengers across four cabin classes, including 186 in economy, 52 in economy plus, 35 in business class, and six in first class.
Packed summer schedule ahead
EL AL has ambitious plans for this summer, aiming to implement a record summer schedule to the United States with 52 weekly flights to the country in July 2024. This announcement coincides with EL AL’s report of record profitability in 2023, partly influenced by reduced capacity from other operators due to the war.
Photo: Gail Hanusa | Boeing
In contrast, American carriers are operating only 21 weekly flights, marking a 60% decrease compared to last July. Below, find Simple Flying’s analysis of EL AL’s flight plans to the US.
El Al Plans Record US Summer Schedule As American Carriers Remain Wary
The carrier plans 24% more flights than the previous high.
What are your thoughts on this potential deal between EL AL and Boeing for an additional 787 Dreamliners? Feel free to share in the comments section below.
