Airlines

EL AL Airlines in Talks with Airbus and Boeing for New Orders

According to El Al CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, the airline is in discussions with Airbus about purchasing up to 30 A321neo aircraft to replace its fleet of Boeing 737-800/900 aircraft. In the airline’s quest to update its fleet of single-aisle aircraft, this action signifies a substantial shift in supplier dynamics.

As it considers the purchase of 737 MAX aircraft, Israel’s national airline is concurrently in talks with its longtime supplier Boeing. During a conference that was held in conjunction with El Al’s release of its quarterly results, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia spoke with Reuters and offered these insights.

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According to Ben Tal Ganancia, a decision is anticipated to be made in the first few months of 2024. El Al anticipates obtaining large reductions, which will sharply lower the actual expenditure, even though the list prices suggest a potential investment of about $4 billion.

The discussions with Airbus are in fact serious, according to Ben Tal Ganancia. She emphasized that talks with both prospective suppliers are still ongoing, and that officials from each company have been to Israel to present their particular business plans to El Al.

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El Al revealed its plans to expand its narrow-body fleet to between 28 and 31 aircraft by 2028, including the deployment of next-generation aircraft like the A321neo, in its Q2 2023 financial update presentation. According to projections made by the airline, its fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft would increase to 22 aircraft by 2028.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.