Airbus has finally broken into the Israeli market by securing a firm order for three A320 aircraft from Israir Airlines.
The deal is a coup for Airbus as Israir accounts for some 40% of domestic flights within Israel and is the second largest operator in the country. Established in 1996, Israir initially operated domestic routes from Eilat, Tel Aviv and Haifa, but now flies to a string of international destinations including London, Paris, Barcelona and New York.
”Israir Airlines is doing its best to offer the highest possible level of quality and the newest aircraft ” the A320 fits in well with our philosophy,” said Israir president and CEO, Zohar Endelman.
While engine choice has yet to be confirmed, Israir does say that its new aircraft will be placed on routes from Israel to Europe and configured as all-economy, with 174 seats.
”We look forward to establishing a long and lasting relationship with Israir,” said Airbus chief operating office, John Leahy, adding: ”In the A320, they have chosen the most operationally cost-effective single aisle aircraft available.”
Airbus says it has now delivered more than 3,000 A320 aircraft and has more than 5,000 orders from 180 customers and operators.