Overview
- The U.S. Department of Transportation gave Israir initial permission to sell tickets on Tuesday, Aug. 18, while the Federal Aviation Administration continues its operational and security review.
- Israir says it will target a daily JFK–TLV nonstop starting Oct. 19 and will list tickets 'next week' if the FAA grants final approval.
- The carrier has bought two Airbus A330-200 widebodies set up in three cabins with 247 seats and plans to use Israeli crews rather than wet-leased staff.
- Industry advisers say Israir’s entry would add a daily Israeli-operated widebody to a market that is already expanding as Delta and United return, which should increase competition and put downward pressure on fares outside the peak holiday window.
- The move carries risk given Israir’s previous $15 million loss on New York service in 2006–2008 and the fact that an Oct. 19 launch would miss the high-demand Tishrei holiday travel period.