Israir CEO Calls for Seven Years of Stability and Hopes for Direct Flights to Saudi Arabia
Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir, described the aviation industry’s turbulent recent years during a business leadership panel at the Calcalist and Mizrahi Tefahot Growth Conference. He noted that 2018 was the last truly routine year for the airline, with subsequent years marked by major disruptions including the closure of Sde Dov Airport in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ongoing war, currency fluctuations, and operational challenges at Ben Gurion Airport. Despite these obstacles, Israir has continued to invest heavily, acquiring five new aircraft and expanding technological capabilities such as AI and advanced check-in systems. The company also opened a maintenance center employing 250 workers and servicing European airlines, and it currently ranks sixth in passenger volume at Ben Gurion Airport. Sirkis emphasized the need to keep moving forward and expressed optimism for regional stability and the potential for direct flights to Saudi Arabia.
Hagar Ben Ezra, CEO of Pami Group, which leads in remote medical services, discussed managing healthcare delivery amid crises like the pandemic and war. She highlighted the importance of organizational resilience and digital innovation, noting that Pami now provides fully digital healthcare services, including 24/7 access to specialist doctors via video consultations through health funds and the Israeli Defense Forces. Ben Ezra pointed to demographic challenges and global medical staff shortages, stressing that digital solutions are essential to meet rising healthcare demands.
Addressing market trends, Sirkis observed growing market share for Israeli airlines despite ongoing crises, with foreign companies seeking Israeli operating licenses. He acknowledged rising ticket prices ahead of the August travel season but urged evaluating profitability per passenger rather than ticket cost alone. Both executives expressed cautious optimism: Ben Ezra about healthcare innovation narrowing service gaps, and Sirkis about the necessity of long-term regional calm to sustain aviation growth and expand routes, including hopes for direct Saudi flights soon.
