OK I'm going to chime in...

I wont fly in an Airbus A330 not out of some misplaced European anger; rather I feel its an inferior aircraft that I don't enjoy traveling in. Also there have to be some low-time 763 or 764s out there (or a short lease from ILFC) that LY could operate (even without the LY livery) till the 787 program is off the ground. Perhaps LY could do what some private aircraft manufacturers do, say sign for X number of 787s and we'll give you 767s for a fee (or free depending on how desperate Boeing is) in the interim. Surely with the market as it is, and their long relationship, Boeing would appreciate such an offer.

I feel the 330 is much noisier than a 767 or 777 (even a 340 for that matter). The plane is of older design and doesn’t have the latest "gadgets" - the 757 is already gone, 737 and 747 are not too far behind. On that note, the 787 will be much more fuel efficient and I believe have greater range (let's keep LY in the black!) Also, a fear of mine, although irrational, is that if, G-d forbid, the E-U imposed sanctions on Israel there would be no spare parts... It's not out of the realm of possibility.

Why go with a Boeing? Well the 787 is going to be more fuel efficient - extremely important for the financial interests of the new LY. The prestige of being one of the first airlines to fly a 787 (LY was a launch customer for the 762ER) and there is something about an all-Boeing fleet that I like. I feel a sense of pride stepping on and off a 773, 772LR, or 747. It just has a “big fish feel” to it. The 767 less so, its old technology—as is the 330. I have noticed, possibly by coincidence, that I just prefer airlines such as BA, CO, etc with all (or predominantly) Boeing fleets. I LOVE Cathay pacific, but a month ago I did the JFK-HKG nonstop in the 340-600 and it was an uncomfortable journey. The 777’s LY flies are quieter and have a more “modern” look to them. Even though there may well be nothing better than Cathay First (save for LY F!) I might do the Continental direct flight from EWR because the a/c is less stressful. El Al has leased a/c before, why cant they do this for a few short years... Good things come to those who wait!

Also, like it or not, but Boeing and Airbus are largely subsidized extensions of the US, EU and their respective governments. I support 100% and always will, however with Israel’s aid always being a point of strong criticism around the world, it would give the US a perfect reason to lessen further aid packages. It’s sending the message “hey! We’re now rich enough to buy from whoever we want… and we want your competitor’s aircraft” Now, before I get flamed from that comment, let’s all acknowledge that every nation has a defacto airline or flag carrier. While the US and Israel don’t own their airlines anymore (yes, I know LY is private) they still wield enormous influence. For example, after 9/11 bailout the airlines got; it would be political suicide for UAL to go shopping for A380s. No more lenient bankruptcy provisions, no more aid packages, no more help. I think there are people in the Knesset who would be infuriated to allow LY to snub the US (which it is) by buying Airbus.

Look, I’m on Israel’s side here… But for those Israelis on this board, I have to tell how Americans are seeing this. And those on Capitol Hill who don’t support Israel but just vote for aid out of a consensus would have a perfect to dissent from the views of their peers and make a big mess out of this. I know for a fact that Senator Arlen Specter, an American Jew who has lived the American success story, always has to defend Israeli actions and Aid to his peers. It’s becoming more of an issue lately and let’s not give some blowhard liberals reason to drop support of the only democracy in the Middle East!

Thoughts?