Israir Introduces First ATR 72

Posted 14/07/2011

Israeli carrier Israir has taken delivery of its first of two ATR 72-500 turboprops that it has on order.  The airline, already an operator of three of the smaller ATR 42-320 variant, will use the aircraft to enhance its domestic offering.  The second ATR 72-500 is due for delivery later this month.

Israir, part of IDB Tourism group, the tourism branch of the Israeli holding company IDB Holdings, will use the two 72-seat aircraft to increase capacity and frequencies on its main route from Tel Aviv Sde Dov (City Airport) to Eilat (Red Sea Resort).  The airline also plans to increase its charter activities to other Mediterranean tourist destinations using the turboprops. 

“The entry into service of our new ATR 72-500 aircraft marks a new development phase for Israir and IDB Tourism. With these new aircraft, we will be able to offer a greater quality of service to our passengers, providing them with more choice and improved comfort. In addition, these 72-seat planes will enable us to reduce operating costs per seat,” said David Kaminitz, Chairman, Israir.

Israir currently has a 37.3 per cent share of the estimated 643,000 O&D passenger Israeli domestic market this past year.  It currently offers up to 40 flights per week between Tel Aviv Sde Dov and Eilat, complemented by its at least daily links to the Red Sea destination from Tel Aviv’s main airport Ben Gurion International.

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