El Al Israel Airlines has today announced its fleet renewal plans by placing an order for up to 31 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
This is the largest aircraft order in the airline’s history and, broken down, represents 20 firm orders and 11 options.
At present the particular variant of 737 MAX has not been disclosed, but the order would represent around $2.5 billion at list prices, and may see a split between smaller and larger MAX types.
El Al had been mulling a choice between Airbus A320neo family and Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft ahead of the planned rejuvenation of its narrowbody fleet.
The new aircraft will be used to replace existing Boeing 737-800 and -900ER types, as well as to expand the fleet size and allow expansion of the route network.
“This is a significant milestone for EL AL, which will allow us to offer our customers the most advanced service and technology experience in the industry,” said Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia. CEO EL AL Israel Airlines. “The implementation of the long-term procurement plan, which began with the purchase of additional 787 Dreamliners earlier this year and culminates in the current deal, once again demonstrates our commitment to the Israeli public and the state.”
Deliveries of the new aircraft will begin in 2028.
Title image: Copyright Dmitri Popov, aircraft.photography
