Commercial Aviation
El Al Expands Fleet with Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Orders
El Al orders six Boeing 787-9s and converts four to 787-10s to increase capacity and modernize its long-haul fleet by 2032.
This article summarizes reporting by The Jerusalem Post.
In mid-April 2026, Israel’s national carrier, El Al, announced a comprehensive expansion and modernization of its long-haul fleet. According to reporting by The Jerusalem Post, the airline is exercising options to acquire six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners while simultaneously converting four previously ordered aircraft to the larger, higher-capacity Boeing 787-10 variant. The agreement, valued at approximately $1.5 billion before standard manufacturer discounts, also secures purchase rights for up to six additional Dreamliners.
This strategic procurement aims to significantly increase seat capacity on high-demand international routes, particularly to North America. By committing to the Boeing 787 family, El Al is accelerating the replacement of its aging widebody aircraft and solidifying its market position amidst a complex geopolitical and economic landscape in the Middle East.
The fleet expansion represents one of the first major strategic initiatives under El Al’s new executive leadership team, including CEO Levy Halevy and CFO Gil Feldman, who both assumed their roles in late 2025. The move leverages the airline‘s strong liquidity to secure future growth despite ongoing global supply chain constraints.
Fleet Modernization and Capacity Growth
The Boeing 787-10 Enters the Fleet
The introduction of the Boeing 787-10 marks a notable shift in El Al’s operational strategy. As reported by The Jerusalem Post, the airline currently operates 17 Dreamliners,comprising four 787-8s and thirteen 787-9s,with two leased aircraft expected to join shortly, bringing the near-term fleet to 19. The newly announced firm orders are scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032, while the optional aircraft are slated for the 2033–2035 window. If all options are exercised, El Al’s Dreamliner fleet will grow to 34 aircraft by the middle of the next decade.
The decision to convert four orders to the 787-10 variant directly addresses capacity constraints at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. While El Al’s current 787-9s seat 271 passengers across three classes, the larger 787-10 will accommodate approximately 300 to 310 passengers. Although the 787-10 has a slightly reduced range of 15.5 hours compared to the 787-9’s 16.5 hours, it is optimally designed for dense, high-demand transatlantic operations.
“Expanding the 787 aircraft fleet enables us to increase capacity, improve efficiency and provide a flight experience at the highest level.”
Phasing Out Legacy Aircraft
The influx of new Dreamliners will serve as the backbone of El Al’s long-haul network, enabling the gradual retirement of its older Boeing 777-200 fleet. The legacy 777-200s currently seat 313 passengers but are significantly less fuel-efficient than the composite-built 787s. By standardizing its widebody fleet around the Dreamliner family powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, El Al anticipates simplified pilot training, streamlined maintenance protocols, and reduced spare parts logistics.
Financial Resilience Amidst Regional Volatility
2025 Earnings Context
To contextualize the $1.5 billion investment, it is essential to examine El Al’s recent financial performance. According to industry data and the airline’s February 2026 earnings release, El Al achieved record annual revenues of $3.476 billion in 2025, representing a 1% increase from 2024. The carrier maintained an exceptionally high passenger load factor of 94% throughout the year.
However, net profit declined by approximately 25% to $410 million. This dip was attributed to rising production costs, the strengthening of the Israeli Shekel against the US Dollar, and the financial impacts of regional conflicts, including the war with Iran and “Operation Rising Lion.” Despite these pressures, El Al entered 2026 with robust liquidity, reporting equity of $1.048 billion and a drastic reduction in net financing expenses from $95 million in 2024 to just $4 million in 2025.
“Throughout the year, we continued our efforts to expand seat supply and the aircraft fleet to provide an optimal response to flight demand.”
Strategic Leadership and Industry Challenges
Navigating Supply Chain Bottlenecks
El Al’s order arrives during a period of intense pressure within the global aviation manufacturing sector. Both Boeing and Airbus continue to grapple with production delays and supply chain disruptions. By securing delivery slots in the 2030–2032 window, El Al is proactively insulating itself from short-term manufacturing shortfalls.
“[To] sign such a significant agreement with Boeing… is tremendous news for El Al.”
The airline is also preparing for increased competition. Following wartime suspensions, foreign carriers are gradually returning to Israel, challenging the dominant market share El Al held throughout much of 2024 and 2025.
AirPro News analysis
We view El Al’s decision to upgauge a portion of its order to the Boeing 787-10 as a confident, long-term bet on the resilience of its core North American routes. The strategy of “growth amidst volatility” demonstrates that the airline’s new leadership is willing to leverage the strong liquidity generated during the 2024–2025 period to defend its market share against returning foreign competitors. Furthermore, standardizing the widebody fleet on the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000-powered Dreamliner platform will yield compounding operational efficiencies, which are critical for maintaining profitability as regional geopolitical pressures and currency fluctuations continue to impact the bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will El Al receive its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners?
The firm orders for the new Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2030 and 2032. The optional aircraft, if exercised, are slated for delivery between 2033 and 2035.
How many Dreamliners will be in El Al’s fleet?
El Al currently operates 17 Dreamliners, with two leased aircraft joining soon for a near-term total of 19. With this new order, the fleet is projected to reach 28 aircraft by the end of the decade, with a potential maximum of 34 if all options are utilized.
Why is El Al purchasing the Boeing 787-10?
The Boeing 787-10 is the largest variant of the Dreamliner family, seating 300 to 310 passengers. El Al is acquiring this model to increase seat capacity on high-demand routes, particularly to North America, and to replace its older, less efficient Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: El Al
Route Development
Istanbul Airport Tops OAG Megahubs 2026 Global Ranking
Istanbul Airport leads OAG’s 2026 Megahubs index with 337 destinations, driven by Turkish Airlines’ 80% flight share.
Istanbul Airport (IST) has overtaken traditional global leaders to become the world’s most internationally connected airport, driven by the expansive network of Turkish Airlines and a geographic advantage bridging Europe and Asia.
In a press release issued on September 16, 2026, aviation data provider OAG Aviation Worldwide published its annual Megahubs report. The 2026 index highlights a recalibration of global transit points, with Istanbul claiming the top spot for the first time and Asia Pacific hubs staging a dominant return to the top 20 following the completion of post-pandemic recoveries.
Istanbul’s Ascent and European Shifts
The OAG data indicates that Istanbul Airport now offers connections to 337 destinations worldwide. This connectivity is heavily concentrated around its home carrier, with Turkish Airlines operating an 80% flight share at the hub. The airport’s chief executive emphasized the role of this partnership in securing the top ranking.
“Being recognized as the most connected airport in the world is a significant achievement for iGA Istanbul Airport and for everyone who has contributed to our growth. This achievement reflects our strategic development, alongside the breadth and reach of Turkish Airlines’ network,” said Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport.
Conversely, traditional European mega-hubs showed signs of constraint. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) experienced a 6% year-on-year drop in potential connections on its busiest day. OAG Chief Analyst John Grant noted that the 2026 rankings reflect a global aviation landscape still adjusting to recent years of disruption.
“Istanbul’s rise to the top reflects the strength of Turkish Airlines’ network and the airport’s geographic position as a connecting hub between east and west,” Grant stated.
Asia Pacific Recovery and Low-Cost Carrier Influence
Airports in the Asia Pacific region secured eight of the top 20 spots in the global ranking. The data points to a complete post-pandemic recovery for Chinese aviation, pushing major mainland hubs back into the upper echelons of the index. Across the top 10 airports in the Asia Pacific region, the average dominant carrier share stands at 33%.
The report also highlights the structural impact of low-cost Commercial-Aircraft (LCCs) on regional transit. Asia Pacific airports account for 64% of the top 25 LCC hubs globally. In Southeast Asia, LCCs now operate 51% of all airline seats, a figure substantially higher than the 34% global average. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) exemplifies this trend, serving 154 destinations and generating nearly 15,000 possible low-cost connections.
“The Asia Pacific numbers tell two stories this year. The first is the completion of Chinese aviation’s post-pandemic recovery; these airports are back in the top 20, and the data shows it. The second is how low-cost carriers have reshaped Southeast Asian connectivity,” said Mayur Patel, Head of APAC at OAG.
North American Connectivity Gains
In the Americas, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) demonstrated measurable growth in its network depth. The OAG report shows that potential connections at the Illinois hub increased by 9.8% compared to previous data.
This increase in connectivity aligns with a broader expansion of the airport’s route map. Chicago O’Hare expanded its reach to 308 destinations, up from 297, reinforcing its status as a critical node for both domestic and international transit in the United States.
AirPro News analysis
We view Istanbul’s rise to the top of the OAG Megahubs index as a structural shift rather than a temporary anomaly. The 80% flight share held by Turkish Airlines at IST demonstrates the formidable advantage of pairing a massive, single-terminal mega-airport with a state-backed flag carrier executing an aggressive global expansion strategy. Traditional European hubs like Heathrow are increasingly constrained by slot limits and infrastructure bottlenecks, capping their ability to grow potential connections at the same rate.
Meanwhile, the data from Southeast Asia indicates that low-cost carriers are no longer strictly point-to-point operators. By facilitating complex regional connectivity, LCCs are fundamentally altering how passengers transit through hubs like Kuala Lumpur. This high LCC penetration forces legacy carriers in the region to adapt their own hub-and-spoke models to compete with the sheer volume of low-cost itineraries now available to the traveling public.
Sources: OAG Aviation Worldwide
Photo Credit: Istanbul Airport
Commercial Aviation
Jazz Aviation and CFAU Reach Tentative Agreement in 2026
Jazz Aviation and CFAU reached a tentative deal on Sept 13, 2026, averting a strike by over 1,000 flight attendants.
Airlines Jazz Aviation LP and the Canadian Flight Attendant Union (CFAU) reached a tentative collective agreement on September 13, 2026, averting a potential strike by over 1,000 regional flight attendants. The deal ensures uninterrupted service for Air Canada Express flights across 65 North American destinations.
In a press release issued on September 13, 2026, Jazz Aviation confirmed the agreement resolves all outstanding collective bargaining disputes. The resolution follows nine months of negotiations and a near-unanimous strike mandate vote by union members earlier in the month.
Negotiation timeline and strike mandate
The previous contract for Jazz Aviation flight attendants expired on January 1, 2026. According to reporting by CBC News, the subsequent nine months of bargaining reached an impasse over compensation for unpaid work, working conditions, and rest periods.
The CFAU announced it was seeking a strike mandate on September 2, 2026. Two days later, on September 4, 2026, the union confirmed that 99 percent of voting members authorized strike action, as reported by CityNews. The involvement of a federal mediator ultimately helped the parties bridge the gap before a walkout occurred.
Union and management perspectives
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the tentative resolution. In its official statement, Jazz Aviation noted the agreement successfully addresses the core disputes that led to the strike authorization.
Jazz Aviation LP and the Canadian Flight Attendant Union are pleased to announce that the parties have reached a tentative agreement that resolves all outstanding issues in dispute through collective bargaining, pending ratification.
CFAU President Marsha Walters emphasized the connection between working conditions and operational safety during the negotiation process. According to CBC News, Walters noted that aviation safety relies heavily on fair working conditions and adequate rest for the flight attendants tasked with passenger care.
AirPro News analysis
We view this tentative agreement as a critical stabilization measure for the broader Air Canada (AC) network. Jazz Aviation, operating under the Air Canada Express brand, provides essential regional feed to mainline hubs. A work stoppage by over 1,000 flight attendants would have severely disrupted regional connectivity across the 65 destinations Jazz serves. While the specific terms of the contract remain undisclosed pending ratification, the swift resolution following the 99 percent strike mandate vote suggests management recognized the operational risk of a prolonged dispute in the regional sector.
Sources: Jazz Aviation LP
Photo Credit: Jazz Aviation LP
Commercial Aviation
Cape Air Orders 8 Cessna Grand Caravan EX for Montana EAS
Cape Air will transition Eastern Montana EAS routes to eight Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft by end of 2027.
Cape Air will transition its Eastern Montana Essential Air Service (EAS) network to a fleet of eight Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft beginning in 2027, replacing the twin-engine Tecnam P2012 Travellers currently operating the routes.
In a press release issued on September 10, 2026, the regional Airlines confirmed the fleet update will serve its hub at Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), connecting to Havre (HVR), Glasgow (GGW), Glendive (GDV), Sidney (SDY), and Wolf Point (OLF). The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Fleet transition and aircraft specifications
According to reporting by Aviation International News, the order encompasses eight aircraft equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi Avionics. The Grand Caravan EX is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 turboprop engine producing 867 shaft horsepower.
A key operational change for the Montana network is the inclusion of belly Cargo-Aircraft pods on the new airframes. Cape Air noted this addition provides significantly increased storage capacity for passengers traveling with sporting equipment, work gear, and other oversized items common to the region.
Cape Air President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Migliore stated the aircraft is a natural fit for the Montana operation and reinforces the carrier’s commitment to the local communities.
“The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a proven, dependable aircraft that will provide additional flexibility for passengers traveling with baggage, sporting equipment, work gear, and other essential items,” Migliore said.
Textron Aviation Vice President of Piston and Utility Aircraft Sales Chris Crow added that the high-wing turboprop provides the versatility needed to efficiently move passengers and cargo while maintaining schedule reliability.
Navigating Essential Air Service regulations
The shift to the Cessna Grand Caravan EX requires specific regulatory approval due to the structure of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Essential Air Service program. Federal law typically mandates that basic EAS routes be operated by aircraft with at least two engines and two pilots. Cape Air previously met this requirement with the twin-engine Tecnam P2012 Traveller.
To facilitate the transition to a single-engine turboprop, the five Montana communities served by the routes submitted a waiver request to the DOT in June 2023. According to AeroCorner, the DOT granted this request under Order 2023-8-13, allowing single-engine operations for the period spanning January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027.
Cape Air currently operates a total fleet of 97 aircraft across 34 cities in the United States and the Caribbean, conducting a minimum of 300 daily flights and carrying approximately 400,000 passengers annually.
AirPro News analysis
We view Cape Air’s transition from the Tecnam P2012 Traveller to the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX in Montana as a pragmatic alignment of airframe capabilities with regional market demands. The EAS routes in Eastern Montana frequently generate payload profiles heavy on bulky work and sporting gear, which can challenge the volumetric limits of smaller twin-engine piston aircraft. The Caravan’s belly pod directly addresses this volumetric constraint without sacrificing passenger seating.
Relying on a single-engine aircraft for scheduled passenger service historically faced regulatory resistance, which formed the basis of the standard EAS two-engine rule. However, the demonstrated dispatch reliability of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine family has shifted regulatory perspectives over the last two decades, making DOT waivers for single-engine turboprops increasingly common when supported by local communities. The 2027 completion target aligns neatly with the expiration of the current DOT waiver, suggesting a renewal will be processed in tandem with the fleet integration.
Sources: Cape Air
Photo Credit: Cape Air
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