El Al Strengthens Long-Haul Fleet: Agreement Signed for Up to 12 Boeing 787 Jets
El Al Israel Airlines has announced a strategic agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of up to 12 new 787 Dreamliner aircraft, in a deal valued at $1.5 billion. This expansion seeks to capitalize on the airline’s current dominant position in the Israeli market and modernize its long-haul routes to North America and Asia.
Order Details: Towards the Debut of the 787-10
The Israeli flag carrier has structured this growth through an amendment to its previous agreements with the American manufacturer, distributing deliveries and models as follows:
- Firm Orders: El Al has exercised purchase options for six Boeing 787-9s.
- Conversion to Larger Models: Four previous options have been converted into the 787-10 model, the largest and most efficient variant of the Dreamliner family.
- Delivery Timeline: These units are scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032.
- Additional Options: The contract grants purchase rights for six additional 787 aircraft, with delivery dates projected between 2033 and 2035.
→ Air India Receives Its First Retrofitted Boeing 787-8 with New Cabin and Livery
With this move, the company projects growing its current fleet of 17 787 units to a total of 28 by the end of the decade, potentially reaching 34 aircraft if all options are exercised.
Fleet Strategy and Geopolitical Context
The decision to maintain an all-Boeing fleet—a tradition dating back to the airline’s founding in 1948—reinforces the close ties between Israel and the United States. According to industry analysts, this commitment to a U.S.-made fleet sends a relevant political signal to the Washington administration.
At an operational level, incorporating modern technology is vital. The previous use of aging aircraft such as the 767, 747, and 777 had led to a loss of market share against foreign competitors. The company’s CEO, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia (Levy Halevy), highlighted that expanding the Dreamliner fleet is a key step toward building a modern, profitable, and market-leading airline.
Next Steps
El Al will evaluate various financing options for these acquisitions as the delivery dates approach. In addition to this widebody order, the airline maintains a firm 2024 agreement for up to 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for its short-haul operations, valued at $2.5 billion, thereby completing its vision for total fleet renewal.
Related Topics
Embraer Accelerates Delivery Pace: 47% Increase During First Quarter of 2026
Finnair Renews Regional Fleet: Orders Up to 46 Embraer E195-E2 Aircraft
U.S. Tariff Shift: Exemption for Aircraft and Engines Boosts Embraer, U.S. Airlines, and Aerospace Sector
Embraer and Adani Defence & Aerospace Elevate Alliance: Agreement for an E175 Final Assembly Line in India
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.