El Al Captain Hagai Mayer Elected Chairman of Israeli Pilots Association

Hagai Mayer, a veteran El Al captain with over 10,000 flight hours in both the Israeli Air Force and civilian aviation, has been elected chairman of the Israeli Pilots Association. Mayer has served on the association's council for 11 years and is currently the vice president of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations for the Middle East. His extensive experience includes roles as a combat pilot, squadron commander, and instructor in both military and civilian sectors, as well as diplomatic service as an IDF attaché and defense ministry representative in Italy, Greece, and Serbia.

Upon his election, Mayer expressed pride in succeeding former chairman Captain Meidan Bar, who elevated the association's significance within Israeli aviation. Mayer emphasized the strategic importance of aviation amid complex geopolitical conditions, particularly given Israel's status as an island state facing frequent security challenges. He outlined his priorities as strengthening independent and robust Israeli aviation, supporting commercial airline pilots and crews, maintaining and developing aviation infrastructure, addressing safety issues, fostering international alliances, and enhancing the overall aviation sector in Israel.