Alex Cruz at TLV Celebrating 85 Years of BA
#1
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Alex Cruz at TLV Celebrating 85 Years of BA
Alex Cruz was in TLV on Wednesday celebrating the 85th anniversary of the London-Tel Aviv route. The only real "news" are that we might see in the future flights between LGW and Eilat.
Here is a report in The Times of Israel
Here is a report in The Times of Israel
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#6
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A few airlines have talked about flying from London to Eilat in the past, but purely on a seasonal basis; and I'm using the word 'seasonal' loosely!
Running it for more than a few months a year, would be too costly in my view.
M
Running it for more than a few months a year, would be too costly in my view.
M
#7
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Some of us TLV based GGLs were invited to a very relaxed reception with Mr Cruz last night at the British Ambassador's home.
Lovely evening, and we really enjoyed chatting to him (and got plenty of time for that too), he's a really nice and funny guy.
Lovely evening, and we really enjoyed chatting to him (and got plenty of time for that too), he's a really nice and funny guy.
Last edited by clubman; Nov 10, 2017 at 5:19 am
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#9
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I think Monarch used to (or was about to start flights from LTN to Eilat) - it is an interesting destination, particularly because it's so close to Petra and Wadi Rum.
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#11
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I can confirm there are currently 97 GGLs with Israel based BAEC accounts and of those there are less than 20 CCRs.
The event was very intimate last night, where a few of us had 2x ~25mins conversation with Alex Cruz who was very amenable to our constructive comments around various aspects of ground service, on board service and other club based queries/clarifications/suggestions.
There were around 40 of us all together at the event but going by the list at the entrance door, there should have probably been around 100 or thereabouts.
I have to say - when you meet Alex Cruz in person and get that much face time with him - as @clubman says, he's a really nice and funny chap.
The evening was supposed to finish @ 9pm yet we were still in deep conversation pushing 9.30pm.
All in all it was a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
Last edited by jonnye; Nov 10, 2017 at 9:45 am
#12
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If it was feasible for BA I think it would be wonderful if they had a service to Eilat!
#13
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There are a number of European carriers that fly into Eilat seasonally, including some not seen at TLV, such as SAS. A new airport will open within about six months, and tourist arrivals are expected to significantly increase. The border crossing at Eilat-Aqaba is also likely the easiest one into Jordan, so its a good jumping off point for trips into southern Jordan as well. That said, I'd be extremely surprised if it was anything but a short-haul aircraft.
In terms of the event, I also attended - it was indeed very relaxed, and Cruz has a good sense of humour. I'm only a Gold (not GGL), but generally just fly Club. Perhaps I have a good enough CIV to make the cut .
Interestingly, 85 years ago the first flight from London was on a flying boat that landed in the Sea of Galilee - and it took 20 hours!
In terms of the event, I also attended - it was indeed very relaxed, and Cruz has a good sense of humour. I'm only a Gold (not GGL), but generally just fly Club. Perhaps I have a good enough CIV to make the cut .
Interestingly, 85 years ago the first flight from London was on a flying boat that landed in the Sea of Galilee - and it took 20 hours!
#14
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And as a reminder - flights to Eilat will be using (from mid 2018) the new Ramon airport which should be very nice.
According to this picture (taken from the airport's website) BA will have a massive presence
According to this picture (taken from the airport's website) BA will have a massive presence
#15
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Seriously, does sound a nice event. I've got Israel on the brain with 100 years of Balfour agreement and all that.