Arkia CEO Oz Berlovich Reflects on Leadership, Challenges, and Future Plans

Oz Berlovich, 50, has served as CEO of Arkia Airlines since rising through the ranks from flight attendant in 1998. Living in Hod HaSharon, he is divorced with two daughters and currently in a relationship. Berlovich acknowledges the intense social media criticism he and Arkia face in Israel, attributing it partly to the country’s culture of schadenfreude, but emphasizes the airline’s profitability and punctuality, with 95% of flights departing on time.

A pivotal management decision was launching flights to North America with a wide-body aircraft, which transformed Arkia’s image from a small domestic carrier to an international airline. However, Berlovich admits the timing was off, as starting six months earlier could have yielded greater financial success. He expresses a personal dream of becoming a farmer, reflecting his agricultural family background, and dismisses the myth that CEOs are always smart and successful decision-makers.

If appointed Israel’s finance minister, Berlovich would prioritize bringing in foreign workers from Asia to address labor shortages affecting service quality nationwide. His daily routine revolves around monitoring Arkia’s flight schedules, highlighting his dedication to operational precision. He laments Israel’s lack of punctuality and wishes for a more orderly, "Yekke"-style culture, especially for tourists.

Regarding Arkia’s future, Berlovich mentions ongoing talks about a potential sale but remains focused on the company’s legacy. He plans to step down as CEO once he feels he has reached his limit and looks forward to returning to farming. Reflecting on his personal life, he advises younger versions of himself to start earlier and pursue higher education, noting the challenges of balancing family and career.