AVIATION
November 2025
New Financial Leader to Helm El Al Amidst Growing Competition
United Airlines Restarts Nonstop Flights to Tel Aviv from Chicago and Washington
Direct flights aim to boost tourism and business travel, providing convenient access to Israel from the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions
Former CAL Payment Card CEO, Levy Halevy, Steps In as El Al CEO, Replacing Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, as Airline Faces Return of International Carriers
S tarting November 1 and November 2, United Airlines will resume its popular nonstop flights to Tel Aviv (TLV) from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD) airports. This marks United’s return to these routes since 2023, solidifying its commitment to one of the Middle East’s most sought- after travel destinations. United is the only U.S. carrier to offer these direct flights, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers who previously had to endure connecting flights. The Chicago service will operate four times a week, while the Washington service will run three times a week. This expansion is a significant move for travelers in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, making a trip to Israel more accessible than ever. In addition to these new routes, United recently increased its service from Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv to twice a day. The airline’s growing network offers
travelers from across the U.S. more choices for both business and leisure travel. Tel Aviv, known for its mix of modern amenities, historical sites, and vibrant tech and academic scenes, is a prime destination for tourists and business travelers alike. The city also serves as a key hub for onward connections to Europe and the UK, adding another layer of convenience for international travelers. United’s long-haul aircraft on these routes are equipped with premium amenities designed for comfort on long, overnight flights. Passengers can enjoy premium seating, satellite entertainment, and a variety of dining options. United continuously evaluates its flight schedules and aircraft to ensure the highest level of operational efficiency, safety, and security. While the San Francisco-Tel Aviv route is currently on hold, the airline remains committed to assessing its network to meet evolving passenger demand.
T he Board of Directors of El Al Israel Airlines has announced the appointment of Levy Halevy (55) as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Halevy, who currently serves as the CEO of the payment card company CAL (Israel Credit Cards), will be stepping down from that role to take the helm at Israel’s flag carrier, replacing the outgoing CEO, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia. Halevy’s selection signals a strategic shift by El Al’s owner, Kenny Rosenberg, to bring in a leader with a strong financial background rather than someone from the aviation or marketing sectors. Halevy is a proven financial executive, credited with transforming CAL into the most profitable company among Israeli payment card firms during his seven-year tenure. Prior to that, he was a senior executive at Discount Bank. This appointment follows the recent finalization of the deal to transfer
ownership of CAL from Discount Bank to the Union Group and Harel Insurance. Halevy takes the reins at a pivotal time. While Ben Tal Ganancia is lauded for dramatically improving El Al’s financial standing, the new CEO will immediately face several significant hurdles: El Al benefited from periods of near-exclusivity over the past two years due to the regional conflict. Halevy must now navigate the return of international airlines to the Israeli market, a development expected to erode the record profits the company achieved during the war. He will be tasked with steering the airline through the volatile and changing landscape of the global aviation market. Halevy will need to maintain the relative industrial peace established by his predecessor with the various labor unions, following years of past conflicts.
16 • www.itn.co.il
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker