In a notable move towards expanding its widebody fleet, EL AL, the flag carrier of Israel, has entered into a preliminary agreement with Boeing for up to nine additional 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, as reported by Simple Flying and Flight Global.
This development indicates that the deal includes firm orders for three 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option for six more. The delivery of the three confirmed aircraft is expected to occur between 2029 and 2030.
This agreement is part of ongoing discussions surrounding the airline’s fleet expansion strategy. Following a profitable fourth quarter in 2023, EL AL outlined its fleet expansion plans in February 2024, which include increasing its single-aisle fleet from 24 to a range of 28 to 31 aircraft from 2028 to 2030.
Additionally, the airline aims to expand its current Boeing 787 fleet from 16 to 22 aircraft within the same timeframe, underlining a significant period of growth and renewal for the airline dubbed “the replacement and renewal campaign.”
The potential exercise of the six additional options for 787s, subject to the deal’s finalization and Boeing’s aircraft availability, would see the new aircraft joining the fleet from 2030 onwards. As of now, EL AL operates a total of 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, comprising four 787-8 and twelve 787-9 variants.
The airline’s existing order book includes three more 787-9 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled by 2026, as per data from ch-aviation. This fleet expansion signifies EL AL’s commitment to growth and modernization, leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.