EL AL 787 Master Thread
 

I was thinking we should have a thread focused on what we know as of now and we can add as we get to know in the coming months as the new 787-9 and 787-8 join the EL AL fleet.

16 aircraft have been ordered the first will arrive August 2017.

The first four will be :
LINE Variable Registration
590 ZB766 63548 787-9 leased from ALC Everett
616 ZB767 42117 787-9 leased from ALC Everett
666 ZB753 38086 787-9 leased from Aviation Capital Group Everett
667 ZB818 63392 787-9 owned by EL AL Charleston

All will have RR Trent 1000 engines

The Business Class will be configured in a reverse herringbone configuration manufactured by Zodiac Aerospace - called Cirrus. 1-2-1 configuration with 32 seats.
Will have proper new Premium Economy seats, not just economy plus. 2-3-2 configuration 28 seats
First route will apparently be LAX.

Good idea!

On a separate note, I'm assuming your handle wasn't always ly787 was it...;)

LY did originally order the darn things like 10 years ago now...

Sounds like a step up for LY's hard product standard.
Was expecting 2x2x2 or even 2x1x2 so impressed they went 1x2x1.

Assuming no F Class - the beginning of the end?

It has been a good 10 years since I have seen LY's F class but that writing has long been on the wall for a long time. LY lacks hard product to stand up to the expectations in J let alone F. This new setup puts them on par and even ahead of their competition.
Considering LY's financial ups and downs I would not be surprised by that move and think it a solid idea.

On par perhaps, but why or how do you know it's going to put them ahead of their competition?

To me 1-2-1 beats 2x2x2 on UA's 772 & 789 and on BA's 2x4x2 on their 772s. I'd still take AC or DL over LY for NYC-TLV. I'd consider LY for a LAX flight if traveling solo. With someone I'd probably take UA's SFO flight.
I'll concede that this assumes a quality seat is put in for 1x2x1 cofig.

There has been no discussion about the soft product, which will surely also change.

Any ideas? Will they incorporate some "First Class" touches to differentiate themselves from the pack (and to compensate for dropping the cabin)?

There has been no discussion about the soft product, which will surely also change.

Any ideas? Will they incorporate some "First Class" touches to differentiate themselves from the pack (and to compensate for dropping the cabin)?

What aspects of LY First would you like to see included? They're already holding over having 2 seats next to each other in the center :P

But seriously, what aspects?

The pajamas

Yes, my nick since 2005 - around the time they first ordered the 787. :)

The LY will be the same style seat CX, AF, KLM, some JAL I think Vietnam and EVA as well.
I read BA is also going 1-2-1 in 2018 but with something new (maybe New UA style and with doors)


Haha
I used to like the present they gave out in First

Wow, didn't realise it was so long ago they placed the original order.

I was thinking an upgraded amenity kit/gift, pajamas, perhaps limo service for those that purchase a full price/flexible ticket. Maybe also keep the First Class areas in the King David Lounges and turn that into a perk reserved for full price tickets and/or Platinum on up status holders.

Just some random thoughts...