El Al to trial non-stop Israel-Melbourne flights in April-May 2020
The Israeli flag-carrier says it will run a 'trial' of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Melbourne across April and May 2020.
By David Flynn, December 10 2019
Israel's El Al will run a series of direct flights to Melbourne in April and May 2020 as a trial to assess demand on the new non-stop route.
The airline is now selling tickets on three 'test flights' between Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and Melbourne as part of evaluating a regular non-stop service.
The flights depart Tel Aviv on April 2, April 23 and May 14, with the return leg from Melbourne departing April 4, April 25 and May 16.
"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," said Michael Strassburger, El Al Vice President Commercial and Industry Affairs.
Melbourne vies with Sydney as home to Australia's largest Jewish populations, but El Al's flights will be the first direct link between the two countries.
El Al's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will pioneer the non-stop route between Tel Aviv and London.
The flights, which are estimated to take around 17 hours, will also rank among the world's longest, potentially surpassing Emirates' Dubai-Auckland marathon.
Inside El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner
El Al rely on its new Boeing 787-9 fleet to make the journey between Tel Aviv and Melbourne. London-based design firm PriestmanGoode helped shape the Dreamliners with new seats and cabins, along with an updated livery to better reflect the airline's flag-carrier status.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class.
The 'Business First' cabin features 32 seats with direct aisle access, and follows a staggered 1-2-1 layout which is similar to that of United Airlines' latest Polaris product.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class.
Each seat is 21" wide, and combines a clear sense of well-appointed personal space with handy shelves and stowage nooks.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class.
The seats transform into a 78" fully-flat bed, with plenty of movies and TV shows piped through to the 16" HD video screen.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class.
The business class cabin itself is finished in rich tones of champagne, chocolate and wood.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class.
Behind this are 28 premium economy seats – a first for El Al – in a 2-3-2 arrangement of 38" pitch. The seats themselves are 19.4" wide, with 13" screens and a personal storage recess on the back of each seat.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner premium economy class.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner premium economy class.
The 222 standard economy seats (30-31" pitch, 17" width) include 12" screens plus AC and USB charging sockets.
El Al's Boeing 787 Dreamliner economy class.
This video from El Al showcases its Boeing 787 'Business First' experience.
While El Al doesn't belong to any of the major three airline alliances, its position as a Qantas partner means that El Al flights can be booked using Qantas Points, while El Al flights booked under a QF codeshare will earn a full serve of Qantas Points and status credits.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
14 Apr 2013
Total posts 320
Will Qantas Code Share as they are partners
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 600
It's a good question but I assume QF's partners in Dubai may have a strong opinion on this. Qantas currently connect to LY in Bangkok but I don't believe they codeshare.
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
14 Apr 2013
Total posts 320
Yes QF does Code on the BKK - TLV flights. I believe is QF5021.
The TLV - BKK code is QF5020
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 336
What EK thinks will be irrelevant. QF already codeshares on LY BKK-TLV so codesharing MEL-TLV would not be an impediment.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
28 Jun 2019
Total posts 8
Considering the UAE likes to pretend Israel doesn't exist, technically they shouldn't have an opinion at all, because it doesn't exist, right?
03 May 2013
Total posts 411
Flying kangaroo- if you were reading between the lines of late you'd have noticed the UAE, Bahrain and KSA cosying right up to Israel because of their mutual Iranian foe.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 336
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 273
Wonder what the routing will be? It's tricky as they don't fly over ‘enemy' territory.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 600
They have relations with Egypt so they will probably overfly Egypt and then track down the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. This is the same routing their Indian flights use.
I assume flight will be severely load restricted westbound.
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 273
Yes maybe, I've flown them from Thailand and I think it was a similar route along the Red Sea.
29 Nov 2019
Total posts 4
there's talk underway that the Saudi's will allow El Al to route over the kingdom, Air India already routes over Saudi to TLV. Still many hostile territory will need to be avoided. Reason El Al does not fly to Singapore, and SQ does not fly to TLV is because there's some serious airspace maneuvers required around Malay airspace. They won't hear of it.
29 Nov 2019
Total posts 1
Saudi allows AI 139/140 Delhi Tel Aviv to fly right our its kingdom (dont understand the logic) but
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Nov 2018
Total posts 62
Wow certainly didn't expect this... I wonder if it will work.
QF - Red
23 Nov 2012
Total posts 33
This. Is. Epic.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
05 Oct 2016
Total posts 54
Fantastic! Another way to London and Europe hopefully, depending on timings!
06 Jun 2017
Total posts 30
Will be trying this out, always wanted to see Tel Aviv. Could do a 1 week trip to Tel Aviv and Cairo!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 336
You'll need more than 1 week to see Israel and Egypt!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Feb 2012
Total posts 29
And should definitely include Jordan....it's at least a 2 week trip, but well worth every minute
03 May 2013
Total posts 411
I was told ELAl were allowed to fly here many years ago but their insistence on Mosad and their own security doing checks was refused by Australian Government. Get ready for interrogation before and after check-in. I've heard the product is very average. Their lounge in TLV is horrible. Hope it works nonetheless easier for families and businessmen.
29 Nov 2019
Total posts 4
You heard ? I beg to differ, been there several times. Their biz class lounge in TLV is huge, on 2 levels, food I plentiful, 24 hours, Carmel Forest Spa massages & treatments available, the list goes on. Go see for yourself instead.
03 May 2013
Total posts 411
Please read a little more carefully; I flew BA in and out to avoid the interrogations by flying EL AL on advice from Israeli colleagues - hence "I heard".
The lounge however I did visit nothing special average and overcrowded - hence "is". I will admit the 787 does look promising.
15 Sep 2012
Total posts 90
I recently saw a photo on Facebook of departure board at Melbourne Tullamarine in early 70s that showed a flight going to Tel Aviv. Wasn't Qantas but can't remember who. Anybody know?
29 Nov 2019
Total posts 4
You're right. in the '70's Air France and Alitalia, both routed via TLV to Asia and Australia. AF routed via TLV-Teheran (prior Khomeini)-Bombay-Bangkok-Sydney-Melboure and Alitalia had a similar routing but via Hong Kong I believe.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Feb 2012
Total posts 29
Air France have never flown to Australia. Back in the 60's and 70's, TAI originally flew and then when they amalgamated with UAT, the airline became UTA. They flew to Paris via Teheran but not TelvAviv.
29 Nov 2019
Total posts 4
You may be right, maybe they did not fly all the way to Australia, but AF and AZ definitely flew via TLV to Teheran (prior to the ayatollah coup) and then onto Bombay, Hong Kong or other. PS. Even El AL flew to Teheran in those days.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Feb 2012
Total posts 29
Are you sure? A flight from Melbourne to Tel Aviv? I recall in those days most Israel bound passengers transferred in Athens for Tel Aviv. Lufthansa carried a lot of passengers to Athens from Melbourne and Sydney who were transiting to Tel Aviv.
25 Oct 2017
Total posts 32
If you thought security for US airlines was intense.
QF
02 Nov 2012
Total posts 37
Have to agree. Recently flew CX HKG-TLV and security onto the plane was above average but security into Israel at TLV seemed relatively relaxed. However the security flying out that really stood out. There was a security check before check in!
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 273
The reason there is tight security when you leave is because they want to know where you have been in Israel.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Dec 2012
Total posts 43
The aisle business class seat seems to leave you very exposed in bed mode.
21 Aug 2019
Total posts 32
Great. Another Kangaroo Route option to London and Europe.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
23 Apr 2019
Total posts 7
The hard product on the dreamliners is good. All the older planes hard product is very poor. I've done the old B777 HKG-TLV last year and it was awful. This year it switched to the B787-9 and it was like a different airline.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jul 2014
Total posts 139
It's always great to see a new carrier coming to Australia. Hopefully they can make the trial work.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Aug 2016
Total posts 10
Don't forget they wont fly on Friday/Shabat, so no arriving on Saturday before the start of the working week (Sunday).
Economy even on the dreamliner is mediocre. They have an upgrade package in Economy where a perk is your own personal bottled water, rather than poured into a plastic cup.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Aug 2016
Total posts 10
and re security - I would assume extended security check before you get to check-in at Melbourne. Plus the extreme security when leaving TLV.
16 Nov 2018
Total posts 14
Be prepared to be questioned for an hour at check-in by staff, especially if your passport shows that you have been to Muslim countries in the past.
If you often do international mile runs, expect questions like "why do you travel there alone?" "how much did it cost?" "why do you have so much miles?" "you don't need to work?"
Give yourself 4 hours at the airport.
04 Dec 2017
Total posts 31
Try 2 hours. The whole world lets you, as an upright world citizen, glide straight through customs but TLV is a nightmare if they don't like a visa in your passport or the colour of your socks. Don't even get me started about the painful departure security procedures! I would never chose this routing or airline for the kangaroo route esp when you have luxurious airlines such as Qatar, Singapore, Emirates A380's with bars, real cuisine, beautiful amenities and impeccable service to choose from.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
04 Mar 2018
Total posts 9
Been in and out of Israel 4 times. Pre boarding going to Israel, Did not take more than 5 minutes. However my 3rd time going in took 10 mins. This was because a new to the job person did the questioning and needed to keep going back to her supervisor.
Does not bother me as they have been professional and respectful. If you want a bad experience try to convince the TSA in USA they are wrong. They get real threatening and when proven wrong just yell at you to leave with no apology. The Israel's are professional at what they do
Etihad - Etihad Guest
04 Mar 2018
Total posts 9
I agree the old 747 and 777 were tired and old and the crew were far from happy people.
Did the 787 from JHB to TLV, and TLV to Hong Kong. Brighter cleaner nicer, and crew were motivated. Issue I found is that getting into and out of Business Class seats, was too difficult. This applies to seats where the seat is away from the isle. The gap is just too small. I am 6 ft 3 and slender and had issues squeezing thru the gap, As such I will not fly EL AL with the 787, as they have saved 50 to 75mm and lost a customer.
I am not paying the Business Class price to be squeezed into the cabin.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
11 Dec 2016
Total posts 51
I heard that upon entering Israeli airspace, everyone needs to be seated for security reasons.
Is that true?
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jun 2017
Total posts 34
Israel is so small that the plane always begins its descent well before entering its airspace.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Feb 2012
Total posts 29
Same as Singapore.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
04 Mar 2018
Total posts 9
Depends. If you come in from the north than usually over the Mediterranean Sea. But from the south no. Israel is about the size of Victoria.
15 Jul 2016
Total posts 5
Victoria is 227,444 km²
Isreal is 22,072 km²
Etihad - Etihad Guest
04 Mar 2018
Total posts 9
Nit to my knowledge. It's the same as most airlines. That is just before landing. If you come in over the Red Sea and up the Gulf of Asana we are well past Eilat and within Israel before seat belts.
Any way you are safer inside Israel.
Cheerd
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Nov 2017
Total posts 13
Flew El Al in January 2019. Yes. Security was strict going in but didn't take more than 10 mins and was largely done at the departure gate via interview (GVA).
On arrival in TLV my wife' passport hadn't been exit stamped the last time we were in Israel. So there was an issue at immigration. As a previous post mentioned, this was quickly and respectfully ironed out. None of the aggression and power trip that you might find in other countries.
A reminder that security is your friend. Be grateful that it is done comprehensively and professionally...anywhere.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Nov 2017
Total posts 13
The (737-900) flight itself was fine (we were in Y). It was up there with any western European carrier...except you get the very distinct impression that ELAl is an extremely safe and secure airline with both flight and cabin crew trained to their eyeballs and very proud to be presenting their country to the world. You can't say that about many other carriers.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
23 Apr 2019
Total posts 7
Answer the security questions honestly and in a friendly manner and you will be done in 5-10 minutes. Smile. They always smile back unlike the American TSA thugs. Remember that they usually know the answers to the questions they ask you and know what you had for dinner last night so don't be a smart alec. Security is there for your benefit.
I suspect the recently announced roll out of the new heavily armed swat teams at the big 6 airports in Australia early next year were a prerequisite.
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 273
Agree, if you just answer all the questions respectfully and have patience when they ask the same questions in a different way you will be fine. I have flown them probably 20 times and the experience is nearly always different, ranging from breezing through security to being interrogated for 1.5 hours.
02 Nov 2012
Total posts 35
BA use the Dan lounge at TLV and it is basic. EL Al have its own lounge which is very good
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Mar 2015
Total posts 5
17hrs in 30" pitch in economy (where the majority of flyers sit). Not sure about that. I'm all for ultra-long-haul flights but it needs an ultra-long-haul product and service to match - especially if they are charging a premium fare in all classes (eg QF said their non-stop SYD-NYC would attract a 30% premium and sure El Al and all others would do similar).
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on El Al to trial non-stop Israel-Melbourne flights in April-May 2020