Covering every aspect of service, assuring that our passengers' requirements are met on time, every time, EL AL was ranked by IATA as one of the world's three most efficient air carriers. Expanded global coverage, supported by an international network of 77 sales offices. The friendliness and personalized touch that make time fly and make EL AL more than just a convenient mode of travel. A unique
combination of amenities and advantages earning international appeal, and making EL AL a preferred global gateway to every corner of the world. September 1948
EL AL's inaugural flight brings the country's first president, Chaim Weizman, home from Geneva.
1950 – 1956
EL AL carries 160,000 immigrants to Israel from Yemen, Iran, and India as part of Operation Magic Carpet and Operation Ezra and Nehemiah. June 1961
First nonstop New York/Tel Aviv flight on a Boeing 707 sets the world record for longest nonstop commercial flight covering 5,760 statute miles in 9 hours, 33 minutes. April 1980
First EL AL flight to Cairo
1984 March EL AL records the first international Boeing 767 flight - Montreal/Tel Aviv. May 1988
EL AL operates its longest nonstop flight in history: Los Angeles/Tel Aviv: 7,000 statute miles in 13 hours, 41 minutes. January 1990
Historic flight to Moscow
May 24,1991
An EL AL Boeing 747 airlifts a record-breaking 1,087 passengers - Ethiopian Jews flying from Addis Ababa to Israel as part of Operation Solomon. June 1996
First flight to Amman
March 2000
Maiden flight of EL AL Boeing 777
June 2003
Going public – As part of the airline's privatization process, the airline and the State of Israel publish a prospectus on May 30, 2003 offering the company's stocks and stock options for sale. In early June 2003 the company goes public and its stocks are registered for trading on the Tel Aviv Exchange. June 2004
The airline ceases to be a government company – After the purchase of stocks and exercise of options by the public, the State's holdings in the company declined to less than 50% and the airline ceases to be a government company, becoming a mixed company (as defined in the Law of Government Companies). January 2005
Airline control is transferred to private ownership – Following the exercise of additional options, on December 23, 2004 the holdings of Knafaim-Arkia Holdings Ltd. rise to 40% of the shares issued by the airline, and on January 6, 2005, following a decision taken at a meeting of stockholders convened at Knafaim's request, most of the members of the Board of Directors are replaced. As a result, control of the airline is transferred to Knafaim. March 2005
New CEO – Following the resignation in January 2005 of EL AL President Amos Shapira, on March 10, 2005, Haim Romano assumes the post of EL AL CEO. Two months later, changes are made in the organizational structure of the airline. September 2005
EL AL 2010 Strategic Plan is launched – On September 20, 2005, the EL AL Board of Directors approves the airline's strategic plan for the next five years and the principles of its implementation. The main objectives of the plan include a significant improvement in the commercial results of the company by 2010. The plan includes a list of improvements in the passengers' flight experience, fostering operational excellence, innovation and commercial initiative, fleet renewal and improvements in Cargo and Maintenance as well as nurturing human resources. For details, see the airline's periodical report for 2005. July 2006
The Second Lebanon War breaks out, continuing till mid-August. The war has a substantial effect on traffic to and from Israel. During this year EL AL continues implementation of the EL AL 2010 Strategic Plan, adjusting to the new developments in Israel’s political, economic and security situation, including the Second Lebanon War and its influence on passenger traffic, the continued rise in the cost of diesel fuel and increased competition. July 2007
EL AL receives two new Boeing 777-200 aircraft, equipped with the most advanced seats and entertainment systems of their kinds and also entered other agreements for purchasing and leasing additional planes. December 2007
Codeshare agreement signed with American Airlines, offering passengers the opportunity for continuation flights to more than 20 central destinations in the USA. In 2007 EL AL distributes dividends to its stockholders, for the first time.
2008
During 2008, the airline purchases another Boeing 747-400 aircraft, leases two 737-800 planes and signs agreements for the purchase of four new 777-200 aircraft from Boeing.
17/12/2025
122 years ago today, the Wright brothers took a short flight that lasted just 12 seconds, at an altitude of 3 meters and over a distance of 39 meters, yet with enough power to open a new era of innovation and dream-making.
It was a groundbreaking moment, following four years of experiments and development, that helped shape the world of aviation as we know it today.
Nearly four decades later, on September 29, 1948, our own journey began.
Our first flight departed from Geneva and brought home Israel’s first President, Chaim Weizmann, a small step in history, but a giant leap in building the air bridge between the newly founded State of Israel and the world.
We are here to keep dreaming, taking off, and connecting people, places, and stories, so you can always feel most at home in the world, in the air and on the ground.
Photo credit (last image): Ido Vechtel
03/11/2025
We’re so proud of the Shalva Team, who crossed the finish line today at the New York Marathon, turning personal achievements into a shared act of giving.
Each runner carries a unique story and a heartfelt motivation, choosing to combine their run with a meaningful contribution to the children and families of Shalva.
17/12/2025
03/11/2025
