El Al to offer Tel Aviv-Boston nonstop flights
Israeli airline says new service will begin in June with three weekly flights, connecting Massachusetts and New England area to global economy.
Massachusetts officials and the Israeli airline on Monday announced the new service, which is expected to be formally approved by El Al's board.
The Tel Aviv-to-Boston flights expected to begin in June will depart at 12:30 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and arrive at 5:45 am. The Boston-to-Tel Aviv flights will leave at 9 pm the same day and arrive the following day at 3:05 pm.
In addition, El Al's codeshare partner, JetBlue, provides onward connections from Logan International Airport.
Boston had been the fourth largest market with service to Tel Aviv that did not have direct flights.
"Nonstop service to Tel Aviv will open up new commercial and economic opportunities for Massachusetts and the region," said Governor Deval Patrick. "This and similar service expansions are how we bolster the Commonwealth’s competitiveness."
"I made the decision to launch the Boston-Tel Aviv route by the end of June 2015 with the trust and confidence that El Al will obtain maximum support from the local community," said El Al President and CEO David Maimon.
El Al will utilize Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with a total of 218 seats on this route.
The company offers up to 32 weekly nonstop flights between North America and Israel with gateways in New York (JFK/Newark), Los Angeles and Toronto.
"Nonstop international flights to and from Logan International Airport stimulate our economy and our region,” said Massport CEO Thomas P Glynn. "This new service helps open new doors and new possibilities. Logan is truly New England’s gateway to the world."
The Boston-Tel Aviv market has grown 16% in the last three years. Massachusetts and Israel share strong ties in the high tech, life sciences, biotech, finance, clean energy and cybersecurity industries.
"Direct flights pave the way for further strengthening of US-Israel ties, both economically and culturally," said Israel’s Consul General Yehuda Yaakov. "We look forward to seeing even more of our New England friends exploring firsthand our diverse society and rich history."
