P. O. Box 26444, Tel Aviv, Israel; Phone 972 (3) 7955 888; Fax 972 (3) 7955 800; Code 6H; Year Founded 1995. Emek Wings, Ltd., the airline division of Kanfey-Ha’Emek Aviation, changes its corporate identity in 1995. Revenue scheduled and air taxi flights continue, under the direction of CEO Doron Dovrat, with 2 Shorts 330-200s and 1 each Shorts 360-300 and Aero International (Regional) ATR42-320. Destinations visited include Dov Hoz, Eilat, Haifa, and Jerusalem.
In 1996-1997, flights continue without incident or coverage, but with four additional ATR42-320s. The ATRs are subcontracted to El Al Israel Airlines, Ltd. and are employed on services to Jordan. These turboprop flights bring the carrier much needed capital. Ownership is now divided between Ganden Investments (70%) and Zeev Horn and Moshe Leibovitz Holdings (30%).
Early in 1998, cooperation negotiations commence with El Al, but these cease when the flag carrier opts, instead, for closer ties with Arkia Israel Airlines, Ltd.
Late in the year, the decision is taken to break into the foreign charter market, using a “flexible approach” of customer service and discount prices to lure customers. The owners will invest approximately $10 million to turn Israir from a small domestic company into an international airline.
A total of 300,000 passengers are flown during the year.
Beginning on February 23, 1999, two Boeing 737-7S3s are chartered from Pembroke Group, the Irish lessor. The first unit enters revenue service in March with a charter from Tel Aviv to Spain. While Israir pilots are in Seattle training, five pilots will be provided under an agreement with Balkan Bulgarian Airlines and they will fly to European destinations with the newly educated aviators. Five former El Al captains are also hired as advisors.
An agreement is also reached with Onur Air, A. O. to provide backup for the new Boeings, should that become necessary, within three hours. El Al is contracted to provide maintenance.
Foreign revenue charters to and from Israel commence in April and are expanded following the delivery of the second B-737-7S3 in May.
Airline employment stands at 330 at the beginning of 2000. El Al Israel Airlines, Ltd. Vice President Michael Gat becomes CEO on June 1.
The company’s first Next Generation B-737-700 is returned to its lessor, Pembroke Capital, in early October, with the second to follow. In the period prior to the arrival of a pair of chartered A320-200s in January, a Next Generation B-737-8K2 is leased from Transavia Holland, N. V. in late October for use through March on its holiday charter services. On November 2, biweekly return charter service is inaugurated from Tel Aviv to Moscow.
World History
