El Al chairman Izzy Borovich is fulfilling a commitment made several months ago.
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. (TASE: ELAL) has filed an application with the Civil Aviation Authority to operate domestic flights to Eilat and northern Israel. El Al CEO Haim Romano said that incoming foreign passengers would be able to purchase a ticket for their flight to Israel and connecting domestic flights once they arrive. The route to Eilat is currently dominated by Israir Airlines and Tourism Ltd., which carries 400,000 passengers a year on this route, and Arkia Airlines Ltd., which carries 650,000 passengers a year.
There have been no flights to northern Israel for several months. Arkia ran a flight until just over a year ago, but axed the service citing lack of profitability and the low volume of passengers. Another airline, Tamir Airways also abandoned the route following a prolonged dispute with the Israel Airports Authority and the operator of the local airfield.
Today's announcement by El Al follows a statement made several months ago by chairman Israel (Izzy) Borovich that the airline was considering operating a service to northern Israel.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on October 30, 2007
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