The longest flights ever in the annals of Israel’s aviation industry will be carried out as part of a commercial trial, between the periods of April and May, 2020, for regular operations between Tel Aviv and Melbourne.
EL AL Vice President Commercial and Industry Affairs Michael Strassburger, “We at EL AL are excited about offering these nonstop flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Australia, the first time ever in the history of the State of Israel.”
“Over the years, EL AL has gained experience and a reputation for its operations of ultra long-haul flights. In the 60s, EL AL set a record, when it operated the longest
“route in the world, from New York to Israel, with no stopovers, on a Boeing 707 aircraft. In 2006, EL AL began operating a scheduled nonstop flight to Los Angeles on its Boeing 777 aircraft, in 15 hours and 30 minutes, making it one of the five longest routes in the world at that time.”
“Today, as we continue to renew our fleet with Dreamliner aircraft, we are trialing additional unprecedented alternatives for expanding our route network and further connecting Israel with the Diaspora. In this framework, we are evaluating nonstop operations to Melbourne, Australia, with no stopovers. Such a route will substantially shorten the trip to Australia and will deepen the touristic, business and political ties between the two countries beyond recognition.”
Strassburger adds, “Operating this route will be subject to approval of governmental parties, including civil aviation authorities; the airline will decide on regular operations in the coming months. While examining commercial feasibility, the airline is preparing to operate 3 roundtrip flights during April and May 2020, before and after Passover and Yom Haatzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). Flight duration on the Melbourne-bound flight is expected to be 16 hours and 15 minutes, while the return flight, from Melbourne to Ben Gurion Airport, is expected to take 17 hours and 45 minutes, the longest flight, without stopovers, in the history of Israel’s aviation industry.”
