El Al Israel Airlines Considers Airbus for Upcoming Narrowbody Aircraft Order

El Al Israel Airlines (LY), the Israeli carrier, is in advanced discussions with Airbus alongside its existing discussions with Boeing for an order of up to thirty new-generation narrowbody aircraft. The decision for this order is expected to be made in early 2024, marking a potential departure from El Al’s longstanding relationship with Boeing.

El Al’s goal is to operate between 28 and 31 narrowbody aircraft by 2028. The airline’s current fleet includes fourteen Boeing 737-800s, eight Boeing 737-900ERs, and three leased Boeing 737-800s from Smartwings (Czechia).

This move to diversify its supplier base aligns with El Al’s broader expansion plans, which include increasing its widebody fleet. The airline recently acquired its fourth Boeing 787-8 and operates twelve 787-9s, with three more on order. In the next two years, El Al intends to add three additional Boeing 787s of unspecified variants, bringing its total widebody fleet to 22.

In addition to its widebody expansion, El Al has introduced its first Boeing 737-800BCF freighter aircraft into service, after delays due to extended certification procedures. The aircraft, registered as T7-ELAL, will be utilized for regional cargo services to Istanbul and Dubai World Central. El Al also aims to refurbish the interiors of its 777-200ER fleet gradually, potentially bringing two mothballed 777-200ERs out of storage at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport to avoid capacity cuts.

El Al’s interest in Airbus marks a potential shift in its aircraft procurement strategy, making this order a notable development for the airline and the broader industry.