NYCRuss

The 767s, 777s, and 744s can be replaced by 787-8s, 787-10s, and 747-8s. That would provide for a widebody fleet using exactly one engine type. There's something to be said for only needing to service one engine type.

Throw in that the 747-8 is purportedly less expensive to operate than the 380 on a per seat basis, and it seems to me that the Boeing option is the way to go.

NYCRuss

If Boeing is still willing to build the 787-3, that might make a lot of sense for El Al. It could come in at $10–15 million less per plane than the 787-8. It's got enough range to reach every European destination.

787-3s, 787-10s, and 747-8s. One engine.

ELY001

Perhaps when it comes to long term operational cost you may be correct. However, with that said, no matter what EL AL technicians and pilots will need to be trained on new a/c and engine types regardless of whether they go with Airbus or Boeing. There are other factors involved such as acquisition costs, incentives, and time frame for delivery. EL AL's 767's and 744's are old, have decreasing dispatch reliability, have poor hard products, and high operational costs. Keeping them around for a couple more years till 787 slots open up may not be the right option for EL AL, especially if Airbus will give EL AL a phenomenal deal with added incentives for the A330/A380, which can be delivered soon.


They don't need new a/c types for European ops. They already got the 739 for that. They need to replace their long haul widebody fleet (except for the 772's)

joshwex90

The 783 was meant to replace 757s. Regardless, that project was long ago canceled

entropy

they aren't. That ship sailed a long time ago, nor does LY need the diff between the 739 and a hypothetical 783.

N830MH

Actually, LY does flew to MCO in mid-90s, but they pull out of MCO completely.

Nexus 617

IIRC, LY indeed operated a 742 on a triangle route TLV-MCO-MIA-TLV (or maybe the other way) for a summer or two in the early-to-mid 90s. There may have also been some terminator flights, or some of the classic LY2XX flights with a change of plane to a chartered A/C at JFK. If I can find my old paper timetables, I can look it up and post here.

N830MH

Yes, please do. You can post a copy & paste. I would like to see that.

zrs70

Isn't LY currently updating the 767's? I keep reading that the new BOS service will have new, bed-like seats.

ELY001

I think they are updating just that one a/c that will be dedicated to the route. That route represents yet another inefficiency for LY. The a/c will be on the tarmac for 18 hours or so sitting there doing nothing waiting to be turned around to TLV during the peak summer months when their a/c utilization is at it's highest.

gordo6

I wonder what seats they will offer...

entropy

A bench and then you can lie flat on a mattress they'll put on the deck for you?

Luxurious and prestigious service; its not just an airline, its Israel!

N830MH

Yes, this will be on 767-300ER aircraft and I think they will have new, lie-flat bed.

airb330

Probably Thompson Vantage. AA and DL use them. AA is refreshing about 50% of their 767 fleet with the Vantage. That said, they could also use the current UA (sCO) seat manufactured by BE Aerospace. Those two types are the most common flat bed seats on 767s today.

If they only have 1 767 with the flat seats on a Boston route, they better hope there are no mechanical issues.

N830MH

I'd agree with that. They won't have any problem at all. I just don't think have any mechanical problem. I surely hope that they will be so successful.