one of the three Worlds Most Efficient with the Highest Safety Standards in the World

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1 one of the three Worlds Most Efficient airlines with the Highest Safety Standards in the World

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3 EL AL Israel Airlines one of the three Worlds Most Efficient airlines with the Highest Safety Standards in the World EL AL Israel Airlines is a small global airline representing the culture of Israel, giving customers peace of mind as the safest Written by Andrea Marino & Produced by Michael Magno EL AL Israel Airlines was established in 1948 as the national airline of Israel, the first flight of which transported the then president of Israel from Geneva to Israel. Since its inception, the company has seen some significant milestones. From 1950 to 1956, EL AL transported 160,000 immigrants to Israel from Yemen, Iran and India as part of the Magic Carpet Operation and operation Ezra and Nehemia. In 1961, the airline operated its first nonstop flight from New York to Tel Aviv on a Boeing 707, the longest nonstop commercial flight at the time, travelling a total of 5,760 miles within nine hours. In 1980, EL AL flew for the first time to Cairo, Egypt after a peace agreement was signed between the two countries. The airline s first international flight, to Montreal, Canada, took place in 1984 on a Boeing 767; and by 1988, the company operated its first flight to Los Angeles, a 7,000- mile journey. In May of 1991, the company undertook the important, selfless task of helping Operation Solomon in which it transported 1,087 Ethiopian Jewish people in one airplane, a world record, who were in danger in their country, to the safety of Israel. EL AL became public in 2004, and was purchased for private ownership in In December of 2007, the company signed a codeshare agreement, still in effect, with American Airlines. This year, retired Major General of the Israeli air force, Elyezer Shkedy, moved into the position of CEO and President of EL AL. Additionally, over the last few weeks, the company signed a codeshare agreement with Jet Blue as well as Cargo Codeshare agreements with TACA, TAMPA, LAN, Centurion, Air Bridge and Air cargo Germany. Today, the airline is ranked as one of the world s three most efficient carriers. EL AL flies both cargo fleets and passenger fleets throughout the world, with niche markets within Europe and Tel Aviv. Ensuring the Best Over the last year and half, as a result of the economic crisis, the company has been focused on cutting costs and increasing efficiency, while still meeting customer needs. EL AL has been scrutinizing its operations to learn ways it can

4 39 aircrafts fill the fleet at el al Left: Elyzer Shkedy, CEO Right: Offer Gat, VP of North and South America implement more cost-effective solutions. The goal is to offer customers the highest services at reduced costs, says Cargo Manager of the Americas division, Gat Amit. We had to study operations from A to Z and find out where we could do better. EL AL has been recognized as having the highest safety standards in the aviation industry by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), who is known for having the most stringent safety regulations. EL AL passed the first IATA safety inspections in 2006 when the airline s work procedures regarding safety were rigorously examined. By meeting the IATA standards this year, EL AL is guaranteed the honor of having the safety seal for the next two years, through We are the safest airline in the world today, says Amit. Each department of the business works closely with the others in order to give constructive feedback. Managers will at times audit and monitor other departments to offer a different perspective on how to improve skills. Employees EL AL operates more like a family, rather than that of most huge corporations. It is the airline of our country, says Amit. Israel is a very small and nice country, and that is reflective in how we function. Employees at the company enjoy serving a flight carrier that symbolizes Israel. Most employees are from Israel or are descendants of the country. They feel pride in working for a business that represents their country and family, says Amit. Security EL AL is the only company worldwide that has been working according to strict procedures since All passengers and cargo are

5 EL AL Israel Airlines secure and safe. We have the highest security standards in the world today, says Amit. Regardless of where you are going and what type of flight you are on, you can be sure nothing will happen during the flight, says Amit. Every inch was checked and is safe. When you lay your head down on the cushion during a flight, you can be sure everything will go as planned. Additionally, all pilots are from the Israeli Air Force with top expertise in flying. In order to be such a successful, safe airline, the company utilizes the latest, mostadvanced technology. We have the highest security technology that is present today in the market, says Amit. With the amount of freight and the number of passengers that the company transports, having efficient safety processes in-place without causing delays is paramount. We have the highest security standards in the world today Gal Amit, Cargo Manager, Americas Employees utilize various machines and tools that offer customers a way to check cargo without harming or delaying at all, says Amit. It is an additional step in the operation which doesn t bottle neck the operation itself. Supply Chain EL AL continuously communicates with all organizations involved in its supply chain, such as agents and handling and trucking companies. As we are the image of the service itself, we work with companies that are responsible, reliable and perform at the standards we require, says Amit. We make

6 sure to get from them what we need. EL AL must communicate client needs effectively in order for demands to be fulfilled. The company monitors its logistics chain from the start to finish, keeping in close communication throughout the process. The Future The company will continue to evaluate and reevaluate its position, looking for opportunities for expansion. That means either physically opening new stations, or acquiring more codeshare agreements, like it did with American TACA, TAMPA, LAN, Centurion, Air Bridge, Air cargo Germany and Jet Blue. The company will also seek out talented sales personnel All over the world in order to strengthen its sales and service network. Globally, as a small company, EL AL is able to offer its end clients a more personal experience. We give them a touch of Israel, says Amit. Any customer, if there is an issue they can call a manager directly and will be answered on the spot.

7 EL AL Israel Airlines Statistics Name: El AL Israel Airlines Country: Israel Est: 1948 Employees: 5000 Industry: Supply Chain Premiere Service: Air Cargo and Passenger Revenue: 1 Billion + URL: ELALCargo Coming out of the economic downturn, companies are dictating high-level service, which is pushing the market to a service market, rather than a price market, as it is now. The company will strive to offer more variety and more solutions to customers, in addition to maintaining the best efficiency and effectiveness in each solution. We will continue to lead in service, security and safety, says Amit. We only lead; we do not follow. We want to continue to be the ones that offer the best. Management President / CEO: Elyezer Shkedy VP of North and Central America: Offer Gat Cargo Division Director: Shali Zehavi Cargo Manager, Americas: Gal Amit

8 EL AL Israel Airlines 15 E. 26th St. 6th floor New York, NY T: (+212) F: (+212) Powered by: and