El Al Unveils Major Passenger Experience Upgrades, Including Starlink Internet

El Al is significantly enhancing its passenger experience with a series of upgrades aimed at personalization and improved service. CEO Levi Hlevi announced the initiatives, emphasizing the airline's commitment to continuous improvement and building customer trust. The airline is expanding its flight destinations, with Hlevi noting a growing demand beyond traditional European routes. He also revealed that El Al is training 42 male pilots and two female pilots, many of whom are former Air Force personnel.

The fleet is set for a substantial expansion, with nine Dreamliner aircraft already acquired, two of which are expected to arrive in the coming months. Additionally, the airline plans to add up to 31 more 737 aircraft, projecting a total fleet of over 70 planes in the next few years. El Al currently serves 65 direct destinations and partners with other airlines to reach over 400 more.

Customer experience improvements include new digital services via the app, expanded self-check-in options at terminals, and lounge upgrades. Premium class passengers will receive new comfort kits in collaboration with Jo Malone, De'a Krena, and Take a Nap. A new multimedia system will be rolled out to all passengers in the coming months, and crucially, free Starlink internet access will be implemented by early 2027.

The culinary experience is also being revamped with new menus from Chef Assaf Granit, focusing on high-protein meals. This upgrade has already begun in business class and will extend to economy class on five routes starting in November. Hlevi highlighted service as a key competitive advantage for the airline.

In other news, Bank Leumi Chairman Ori Elon attended the International Monetary Fund's annual meeting in Bangkok, where he discussed Israeli tourism's economic contribution with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The meeting also included European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, and participants addressed global economic challenges and the importance of international economic cooperation. Elon also presented the resilience of Israel's financial system.

Moshe Shalev has been appointed Legal Advisor for Bezeq. Meanwhile, biotech firm Matriself has made two appointments: Professor Nachshon Knoller as Medical Director and Dr. Coral Haddad as Advisor for Military Medical Innovation. Alon Gross has been named CFO of Rotem Shani real estate company. Separately, the Tax Authority plans to cancel the 200 shekel banknote, citing its use in the "black economy."