El Al Israel airlines announces nonstop service between Boston and Tel Aviv

New York – Nov. 11, 2014 – El Al Israel Airlines has announced the first-ever nonstop service between Boston’s Logan International Airport and Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, more firmly connecting Massachusetts and the New England area to the global economy.

The El Al flight schedule will include three weekly nonstops, departing Logan International at 9 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with an arrival the following day at Ben Gurion International at 3:05 p.m.. The return nonstop flight will depart Ben Gurion at 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and arrive in Boston the same day at 5:45 a.m.

“Nonstop service to Tel Aviv will open up new commercial and economic opportunities for Massachusetts and the region,” said Gov. Deval Patrick. “This and similar service expansions are how we bolster the Commonwealth’s competitiveness.”

“I made the decision to launch the Boston/Tel Aviv route by the end of June 2015 with the trust and confidence that El Al will obtain maximum support from the local community,” said David Maimon, president and CEO, El Al Israel Airlines.

El Al will utilize Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with a total of 218 seats on this route. Included are 22 new spacious bed-like Business Class seats with ergonomic support. An Economy Class Plus section will offer more legroom and additional seat recline. Freshly prepared Kosher food and a selection of Israeli wine will be provided in all classes of service.

“We are proud to provide the best flight options and excellent service to residents of Boston as well as neighboring communities and states wanting to travel to Israel,” said Danny Saadon, vice president, El Al Israel Airlines, North and Central America. “As the national airline, the Israel experience begins on El Al with warm Israeli hospitality, Israeli flight attendants who make you feel at home and the best-trained Israeli pilots.”

El Al offers up to 32 weekly nonstop flights between North America and Israel with gateways in New York (JFK/Newark), Los Angeles (the only nonstop service between the West Coast and Israel) and Toronto.

“Nonstop international flights to and from Logan International Airport stimulate our economy and our region,” said Thomas P Glynn, Massport’s CEO. “This new service helps open new doors and new possibilities.’’

 The Boston-Tel Aviv market has grown 16 percent in the last three years. Massachusetts and Israel share strong ties in the high tech, life sciences, biotech, finance, clean energy and cybersecurity industries.

“Direct flights pave the way for further strengthening of U.S./Israel ties, both economically and culturally,” said Israel’s Consul General Yehuda Yaakov. “We look forward to seeing even more of our New England friends exploring firsthand our diverse society and rich history.”

This nonstop service is subject to approval by the El Al Board of Directors within the next few weeks.