Arkia teams with Tech-Air to launch New York flights

Arkia Israeli Airlines launches Tel Aviv-New York flights in cooperation with Tech-Air, the initiative of the high-tech protest movement DemocraTech. The new route will be launched from February to May with three weekly flights to the US on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. The flights will use new Airbus NEO 330-900 aircraft, which will be operated by the Spanish-Portuguese company Iberojet. Return fares start at US$1,199, including 20kg of baggage.

Flights will depart Ben Gurion Airport for New York on Saturday nights at 11:30pm and on Mondays and Wednesdays at midday. Flights from New York to Israel will depart on Sunday and Tuesday at 3pm and on Thursday at 4pm.

Are Arkia’s prices good value?

Sources in the Israeli aviation industry welcome the significant addition of flights to the United States, but stress that there are still about 15 additional weekly flights missing to meet current demand. On El Al, according to the company’s website, it is almost impossible to get tickets in economy class on flights to New York, which is why February prices are especially high.

However, Globes found that the price for the few seats remaining in economy class on El Al is $519 (one way), compared to $599 on Arkia. For the most part, while a return fare to New York in February costs $1,199 on Arkia, only premium class seats are available on El Al, costing $2,863 return.

A senior source in the Israeli aviation industry told Globes, “Israir and Arkia have experience in leasing aircraft, and have even operated long-haul flights in the past.” 2018. However, operating such a line is a very complex process, and involves high risks in both security and economic terms.

He adds: “Large companies such as El Al, United, and Delta, for example, are able to deal with operational disruptions, thanks to their large fleets of aircraft. In the event of a malfunction or delay, they are able to accommodate passengers in hotels.” On the other hand, small businesses may flounder without an available solution.

Published by Globes, Israel Business News – en.globes.co.il – on January 13, 2025.

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