EL AL has unveiled its new 787 Dreamliner that will become the core of its longhaul fleet. With 16 orders on the way (nine 787-9 and seven 787-8), EL AL will finally have a competitive business class product. The initial renderings of the new cabin are impressive.
EL AL Business Class
EL AL has a unique market that has not required it to offer a competitive product. While its limited route network, fierce loyalty, and Sabbath-free flying make it a difficult to fully compete in a global market, it does compete head-to-head with United and Delta for the lucrative New York to Tel Aviv market.
United recently put one of its new 777-300ERs with Polaris seating on the Newark to Tel Aviv route. The cabin looks like this:
EL AL has announced that its first 787 destinations will be London and not surprisingly, Newark. The cabin looks like this:
Hmm…looks familiar.
The new business class cabin looks great and will have all the bells and whistles that mark a competitive product today. Wi-Fi will be available, over 150 movies, and a refreshed menu.
EL AL 787 Premium Economy
EL AL will abandon first class on its 787s (the business class seat is better than the current 747 and 777 first class product) but introduce a Premium Economy cabin. The seats resemble what carriers like Singapore, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific already offer.
EL AL 787 Economy
While economy class looks nice, legroom looks tight (31″) and EL AL will squeeze nine across.
EL AL 787 Videos
EL AL has created three videos to highlight its new 787 product:
CONCLUSION
EL AL was long overdue for a new product and the new 787 looks great. I have been promising Heidi a trip to Israel for many years and it looks like now there is another reason to visit. Let’s hope LAX is also added into the mix by year’s end.
Photos courtesy of EL AL
(H/T One Mile at a Time)
Just returned from Israel flying to and from on an El Al 747. Going over in economy and returning in economy plus. Both aircraft were to put it politely a “little long in the tooth.” A good number of the in seat video monitors did not work on both aircraft. Good service though and you’ll love Israel.
Cant wait to fly EL AL again, this time on the 787 🙂
The 747 model will seem prehistoric to the newer and much more comfortable 787.
My family flies yearly to Israel from NYC in business class. Although the old ElAl 747’s lack WiFi and large monitors the United Polaris offers, I love the superspacious upper deck, business class cabin, in which there’s so much room to stretch and spread around. I’ll miss it.