Tech Entrepreneurs Launch Seasonal Tel Aviv-New York Flights

An informal group of Israeli tech entrepreneurs, operating under the name DemocraTech, has announced plans to launch a new seasonal flight service between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport and New York Newark. The initiative, branded as TechAir for the time being, will begin operations in January 2025, with three weekly flights initially scheduled. The service is intended to meet the needs of Israeli tech firms facing challenges with business travel amid regional conflicts.

According to reports from Israeli financial daily Globes, the group has outlined the details in a publicly accessible Google Docs sheet, which describes the initiative as a “soft commitment” to secure tickets for the future flights. The seasonal service is set to operate from January to March, with 36 weekly flights planned, using a Boeing 777 aircraft. All flights will depart Tel Aviv at midnight, arriving at Newark early in the morning.

The decision to start flights to New York comes as Israeli tech companies grapple with a reduced number of business travel options following the suspension of US-based carriers’ flights due to the ongoing conflicts in the region. El Al Israel Airlines is currently the only carrier operating flights on the Tel Aviv-New York route. In response, both local and foreign airlines are seeking changes to Israeli regulations in order to avoid flight cancellation compensation rules, reducing financial risks and improving competition.

Although DemocraTech, which does not currently hold an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), has not disclosed which airline will operate the route, there has been speculation regarding potential European carriers cooperating with the initiative. Raul Largo, Chief Commercial Officer at euroAtlantic Airways, confirmed that the airline had received inquiries about operating Tel Aviv-New York JFK flights, but clarified that there had been no direct contact with DemocraTech.

TechAir’s launch marks a new chapter in efforts by Israeli tech entrepreneurs to fill the void in business travel between Israel and the United States, with a focus on addressing both regional challenges and growing demand for travel flexibility.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Tech+Air

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com