EL AL Israel Airlines Continues its Renewal Momentum, While Addressing the Competitive Arena on Routes to Europe and North America and Introduces a New Pricing Model for Economy Class Tickets to all European destinations, Enabling Passengers to Customize their Flight Package and Fly at Attractive Rates

LOD, Israel, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- First Exposure

Following the strategic goals to expand the network route to North America, the EL AL (TASE: ELAL) announces the launch of a nonstop flight - Tel Aviv-San Francisco. The flights are scheduled to operate 3 times weekly on the new Dreamliner aircraft, as of Q4 2018.

The new model for the European destinations is based on 3 different family branded fares: Classic, Flex, Lite

The new model will also include UP`s 5 destinations: Larnaca, Kiev, Budapest, Prague and Berlin

The sale of new products to Europe will start on April 30, 2018, for flights departing as of October 15, 2018.

Moreover, EL AL 737-800 aircraft flying to Europe will offer a new, gradually implemented, seating configuration; Economy Class seats will be replaced by new, comfortable slim seats, Business Class seats will also be replaced and a USB socket will be installed in each seat (in all classes of service). In addition, EL AL's 737 aircraft will introduce a gradually implemented innovative Internet service onboard that will enable passengers to enjoy wifi during the flight.

The new configuration of EL AL`s aircraft will be completed during 2019

David Maimon, President & CEO of EL AL: "EL AL continues to innovate while adapting to the growing competition on flights to Europe, both among leisure and business travelers. Among leisure travelers, price is now a critical factor. At the same time, the business passengers are interested in products that offer maximum flexibility, schedules that are best-suited for business activities, business class service and more.

Today, we are launching a new pricing model to all of EL AL's European destinations for Economy Class product, while maintaining the highest standards. The new model will allow EL AL passengers to fly at attractive prices and choose, with complete transparency, the flight package that best suits their needs. The Business Class offering will not change."

The model will enable EL AL to address consumer preferences that include numerous considerations. As part of the model, each customer will be able to decide on their preferred way to fly EL AL to European destinations and purchase the best, cost-effective product. Passengers will be offered three types of options at different price levels:

Lite, Classic, Flex

With the success of the UP brand, which changed the leisure consumers` preferences on the flights to Larnaca, Kiev, Budapest, Prague and Berlin, it was decided to optimize work processes and unify European destinations in order to offer a uniform product under the EL AL brand.

• Lite - a new product at EL AL! The basic flight ticket includes one carry-on and food and beverages service; additional paid services including checked-in baggage and seating may be added;
• Classic – includes one carry-on, seating, food and beverages and one checked-in baggage;
• Flex – enabling maximum flexibility (unlimited changes + cancellation) for all Economy Class booking classes (not only higher booking classes); the ticket includes a variety of services: 2 carry-on bags, expanded seating options (including preferred  seats),  food and beverages, checked-in baggage and additional services that will be introduced in the future.

EL AL`s Frequent Flyer Club members will continue to accumulate and redeem points based on an updated ratio that will be communicated in the future.

New!

The launch of nonstop service to San Francisco is a strategic step for the continued expansion of EL AL's route network in North America.

The new route will be launched in Q4 2018, with 3 weekly nonstop flights on the new Dreamliner aircraft.

San Francisco will become EL AL's sixth destination in North America, alongside New York (JFK and Newark), Los Angeles, Boston, Miami and Toronto.

David Maimon, President & CEO of EL AL said: "San Francisco is the third destination to be launched since we announced the expansion of the North American route network in 2015 with Boston, followed by Miami in November 2017.  The acquisition of the 787 Dreamliner fleet enables us to expand our long-haul network. San Francisco is a city of strategic importance to EL AL, with great emphasis on the business market. With the launch of EL AL's nonstop flights, passengers will enjoy a variety of options to reach their destination at competitive prices, allowing greater connectivity throughout North America."

About EL AL Israel Airlines:

EL AL Israel Airlines, Israel's national airline, established in 1948 alongside the State of Israel, offers more non-stop flights than any other airline to/from Israel.  EL AL flies to 36 destinations non-stop from Israel and serves hundreds of other destinations throughout the world via partnerships with many other carriers.

EL AL embodies Israel's values of innovation and caring and is known for its genuine Israeli hospitality.

EL AL has an annual revenue of just over $2 billion and carries close to 5.5 million passengers every year. In 2017 EL AL will receive the first of 16 Boeing 787 Dream liners, renewing its fleet of aircraft.

For further details:
Dafna Cohen            
Head of Group Business Control and Investor Relations
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd.
+972-3-9717439
dafnac@elal.co.il