Israir Reduces Leased Aircraft Fleet Amid Security Concerns
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Israeli airline Israir has reduced its leased aircraft fleet due to security concerns, according to CEO Uri Sircus. The company is prepared to increase flights to the U.S. and is exploring a potential merger with Arkia Airlines. A merger could create a stronger Israeli aviation group capable of competing with foreign carriers.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israir has reduced its leased aircraft fleet due to the security situation.
- CEO Uri Sircus cited risk reduction in case of escalation as the reason for the decision.
- The airline is ready to increase flights to the U.S. for passengers and cargo.
- Israir is in preliminary talks to potentially merge with competitor Arkia Airlines.
- A merger could create a larger Israeli airline group with 20 aircraft.
Israeli airline Israir has reduced the number of aircraft it leases on a wet lease basis, which includes the crew, due to the current security situation, according to a letter sent to employees by CEO Uri Sircus on Friday, November 6. Sircus stated that this measure is intended to mitigate risks in the event of an escalation. The company, however, remains prepared to increase passenger and cargo flights to the United States at any time.
Sircus also addressed reports regarding Israir's potential acquisition of competitor Arkia Airlines. He expressed a positive view on a possible merger, emphasizing that discussions are in a preliminary stage and the deal's finalization is uncertain. A merger, he explained, could significantly cut operational costs and create a group with five wide-body and fifteen narrow-body aircraft. This combined entity would be positioned to compete on price and service levels with major foreign airlines operating in Israel. Sircus stressed that the objective is not a takeover but rather the strengthening of Israeli aviation.
