MORE CARRIERS TO GO DIRECT TO ISRAEL FROM THE USA

THIS ARTICLE COMES FROM KOSHER TODAY, MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2007

US Carriers Vow to Increase Service to Tel Aviv
Boston… Officials at Boston’s Logan Airport are making a strong pitch for the resumption of direct service to Tel Aviv by El Al. The news came as Delta Airlines announced that it will inaugurate daily, non-stop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport to Tel Aviv starting next March, becoming the only U.S. airline to fly direct to Israel from JFK. The airline was very much encouraged by its successful daily non-stop service from Atlanta. It promised kosher fare and a Hebrew speaking crew. There was also an unconfirmed report that Continental Airlines would expand its service with a new non-stop from Houston to add to their successful Newark – Tel Aviv flights. “Tel Aviv is the sixth largest market across the Atlantic and it is a natural fit for our customers,” notes Frank Jahangir, Delta’s vice president of sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We are pleased to further connect Israel to our global network from New York.”

The news of the incresaed competition could not have come at a worse time for El Al as it reels from a $44 million loss in 2006. The loss is responsible for growing tensions with its labor force. In addition to demanding $22 million in cuts, El Al is threatening to cancel the company’s collective labor agreement if the union does not sign soon. In an attempt to implement an “open skies” policy, the Transportation Ministry said it will present the government with a reform plan aimed at boosting competition, allowing the entry of new carriers into the Israeli market and lowering airfares. “Israel’s true interest is to create competition between the Israeli companies to give them the possibility to compete with each other as well as bring down ticket prices. The Israelis will benefit, and those companies will grow as well,” said Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz at a press conference in Tel Aviv. ************ Wouldn’t it be nice if all this adds up to more comfortable seats, crews that are not surly, food that is served with a smile instead of a snarl, and a happier flight experience? Well, here’s hoping!