Israir Launches New York Flights, Eyes Japan Route

Israeli airline Israir has launched a new route to New York, initially operating three flights per week, with plans to increase to daily service by November, according to the economic publication Calcalist. The airline, owned by Rami Levy, has also begun the licensing process for flights to Japan.

The expansion into long-haul routes commenced in late July after the Civil Aviation Authority approved Israir's operational specifications for its Airbus A330 aircraft, enabling commercial long-distance flights. Concurrently, Israir received authorization to resume flights to Marrakech, Morocco.

Previously, Israir faced operational challenges in launching its Marrakech route when the local airport initially denied flight rights. However, following intervention from the Civil Aviation Authority and Israel's liaison office in Morocco, the necessary permits were granted, allowing the route to commence.

Israir CEO Uri Sircus, who was aboard the inaugural flight to New York, stated that Israir is Israel's second-largest airline. He emphasized that this position necessitates greater ambition, competitiveness, attentiveness, and focus.