Putting Sustainability First:
EL AL and Israel Welcome First Flight Powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel

TEL AVIV, Israel, (31 July 2023) EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd. is proud to announce the arrival of its 16th Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which landed Monday morning in Israel after a direct flight from the Boeing factory in Seattle, Wash., using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The historic flight marks EL AL’s first use of SAF and signifies the company’s global leadership in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Thirty percent of the fuel used in the flight from Seattle to Tel Aviv was SAF, which is made from non-petroleum feedstocks and has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional jet fuel. In June, EL AL joined the IATA Environmental Assessment Program, which assesses the commitment of the world’s leading airlines to improving their environmental and sustainability performance. EL AL’s participation in the certification program serves as another example of the airline’s environmental commitment.

The aircraft's arrival was celebrated with a water canon salute ceremony that was attended by EL AL CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, Nof HaGalil Mayor Ronen Plot, President of Boeing Israel Ido Nehushtan, Kenny Rozenberg and Daryl Hagler controlling shareholders of EL AL.

“Welcoming a new Dreamliner jet is always an exciting event for us,” said Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, EL AL's CEO. “Today’s historic arrival of our first jet using SAF marks another important milestone in our strategic plan – expanding and renewing our fleet and strengthening our commitment to sustainability. We are grateful to Boeing for our long-term partnership, which has helped us provide our customers with the safest and most enjoyable travel experience.”

The new Dreamliner is the fourth 787-8 in EL AL’s fleet and part of the company’s recent acquisition of new aircraft. The financing transaction was arranged by ABL Aviation and is the 6th JOLCO financing transaction executed by EL AL since 2018. The jet can accommodate 238 passengers in three classes – Business, Premium, and Economy. EL AL’s Dreamliner fleet now includes four Boeing 787-8 aircraft and 12 787-9 aircraft, which serve long-haul destinations in North America, Europe, and the Far East. The arrival of the newest 787-8 is part of El Al’s strategic plan to expand and renew its fleet, improve the customer experience, and focus on more efficient fuel usage.