Israir said Sunday it has updated its long-haul strategy, unveiling an expanded list of destinations that includes routes it has not previously operated, as the airline seeks to expand beyond its traditional short- and medium-haul network.
The carrier said preparations are underway to launch flights to New York and to destinations in East and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and the Philippines. It added that it is also examining future routes to Miami, Hong Kong and an additional destination in China.
The announcement follows Israir’s decision to establish a fleet of six wide-body aircraft, marking a significant shift in its business model. The airline has already reported plans to acquire two Airbus A330 wide-body jets, with four additional aircraft expected to join the fleet.
Israir said the expanded fleet would allow it to enter long-haul markets more quickly and provide greater operational flexibility amid intensifying competition at Ben-Gurion Airport.
The airline said its long-haul operation will be managed as a separate profit unit, with independent pricing, network planning and customer experience strategies, in an effort to compete more aggressively in long-distance markets.
The move comes after a record year in which Israir carried more than 2.1 million passengers and became the second-largest airline operating at Ben-Gurion Airport.
To lead the new operation, the airline appointed Yoav Weiss as vice president in charge of U.S. and Far East routes and wide-body fleet management. Weiss has more than two decades of industry experience and previously served as country manager for Virgin Atlantic, as well as holding senior roles at El Al overseeing North American and Asian markets.
Israir’s expansion comes amid a sharp rise in competition in the local aviation market, following government initiatives aimed at establishing a Wizz Air operating hub at Ben-Gurion Airport. The move has intensified pressure from foreign carriers, prompting local airlines to seek growth in long-haul routes traditionally dominated by El Al and other established operators.
The airline has not announced launch dates for the new routes.