New York, NY – July 29, 2008 – EL AL, Israel’s national airline, announced today that beginning September 2, 2008 EL AL and American Airlines passengers will soon have many more options to fly between 25 additional cities in North America and Israel.  The first group of passengers to benefit from the new code share agreement can fly from Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.  The remaining 18 cities which will be launched this fall are Austin, Texas; Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; Indiana, Indianapolis; Las Vegas, Nevada; Montreal, Canada; Orlando, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; San Diego, California; San Jose, California; Seattle, Washington; St. Louis, Missouri; Tampa, Florida;

This new code share agreement allows maximum flexibility and added convenience as American Airlines flights easily connect to EL AL nonstop flights to and from Israel.  Other benefits of the code share flights include: more attractive airfares, no need to purchase a separate domestic ticket and automatic luggage transfer to the connecting flight.  Additionally, EL AL Matmid frequent flyer members can earn points on any flight operated by American Airlines.  Passengers will also save additional time due to a smoother, more convenient  connection between the two flights. Frequent flyers and premium class passengers will also enjoy more benefits, such as use of the first and business class lounges of both airlines.

The following fares include roundtrip flights on both the American Airlines and the nonstop EL AL flights.  From October 26, 2008 thru March 31, 2009 (except December 17-24, 2008 the roundtrip fare for both flights (including all fuel surcharges) is $1,311 from Boston and Washington, DC; $1,411 from Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth, and Miami.  From San Francisco, the roundtrip fare is $1,511.

This fall, from September 2 thru October 25, 2008 (except October 6-13th), the roundtrip fare for both flights (including all fuel surcharges) is $1,471 from Boston and Washington, DC; $1,591 from Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth, and Miami.  San Francisco area passengers pay $1,711.  These special fares must be purchased within 72 hours of confirming a reservation. Tickets must be purchase before September 15, 2008 by calling EL AL at (800) 223-6700 or any travel agent or visit www.elal.com.

From North America, EL AL passengers can fly nonstop to Israel from four airports which are New York (JFK/Newark), Los Angeles and Toronto.  The code share partnership between the two airlines also enables EL AL passengers to have the option of flying nonstop to or from Israel (one way) and choosing a stopover in one of the many EL AL European gateway cities in the other direction. The European cities are London (Heathrow), Paris (Charles De Gaulle), Madrid Zurich and, based on approval in the future, Barcelona.  As such, the transatlantic flight between North America and Europe will take place on American Airlines and the nonstop flight to/from Israel on EL AL, thereby providing more travel opportunities.

“This code share agreement is the most comprehensive and far reaching agreement between EL AL and any foreign airline.  The new partnership reflects the “EL AL 2010” strategy – to operate as a global worldwide airline and to grow steadily, always responding to the needs of our North American passengers who travel to Israel,” stated Professor Israel (Izzy) Borovich, Chairman of the Board, EL AL.

Offer Gat, CEO, EL AL Israel Airlines, North and Central America states, “We are pleased to offer this unprecedented and convenient opportunity to passengers living in or near any of these USA cities who wish to travel to Israel.  In addition to having many more passengers begin their Israel experience on the national airline which will make their travels more memorable, they will also get to personally experience the friendly in-flight service and warm Israeli hospitality.”

From the United States, EL AL utilizes state-of-the-art 777 and 747-400 Boeing aircraft which are equipped with personal tv monitors at every seat in all classes of service.  A wide selection of in-flight entertainment is offered to all passengers.  The new 777 aircraft are equipped with flat beds (180 degrees) in First Class and lie flat seats (170 degrees) in Platinum Business.  These same new seats will soon be installed in all of the existing EL AL 747-400 fleet.  Among the other amenities of these EL AL aircraft are wide, spacious cabins, the most comfortable seats available, fully digital electronic in-flight entertainment with larger screens as well as provisions for personal computers and interactive features.

This fall and winter, EL AL has 22 nonstop flights every week from New York (JFK/Newark), 3 weekly from Los Angeles (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday) and 3 every week from Toronto (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday).

Above “G class” coach fares are subject to availability on EL AL/American Airlines code share flights only.  Above fares do not include $84.30 applicable taxes.  (These include the September 11 security fee of $2.50 per US enplanement, up to $5 one-way and $10 roundtrip).  EL AL reserves the right to cancel promo at any time.  Cancellation/change penalties and other restrictions may apply.            

About EL AL

EL AL, Israel's national airline, offers the most nonstop flights between New York (JFK/Newark) and Israel and the only nonstop service from Los Angeles.  EL AL is the only airline with First Class service on nonstop flights between the U.S.A and Israel.  EL AL flies to more than 40 destinations worldwide from Israel and to many additional destinations via partnership agreements with other airlines.  EL AL has annual revenues of about $1.8 billion and carries approximately 1.8 million passengers annually.  Your Israel experience begins the moment you board EL AL. 

EL AL embodies Israel’s values of innovation and caring and the promise of a genuine Israeli welcome.  For updated daily departure and arrival flight information, travelers can call (800) EL AL-747, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  For reservations, call EL AL at (800) 223-6700 or any travel agent or visit www.elal.com, where travelers now also have the option of convenient, time saving online check-in for flights departing EL AL gateway cities in North America.

 EL AL. It’s not just an airline. It’s Israel.

About American Airlines (AA)

American Airlines (AA) is the world's largest airline in terms of the number of passengers and the airplane fleet. The carrier is wholly owned by AMR Corporation and it owns American Eagle.  American Airlines was founded in 1930. In 2006, the company, which is based in Dallas, Texas, presented income of $22.6 billion, and a profit of $231 million.

The American Airlines combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft, and it boasts the widest flight network in North America, with a market share of 17.8% in 2006. It has nearly 82,000 employees, including some 10,000 pilots. American Airlines flies to approximately 250 cities in over 40 countries, with more than 4,000 daily flights. American Airlines is a founding member of, and partner in, the Oneworld® Alliance.

Pictured below (L to R) – Maria Sebastian, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Europe, Middle East and Africa, American Airlines; Professor Israel (Izzy) Borovich, Chairman of the Board, EL AL Israel Airlines; and Haim Romano, President of EL AL Israel Airlines.