EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES EMERGENCY AIRLIFT TO
TBILISI, GEORGIA RESCUES CLOSE TO 500 ISRAELIS,
INCLUDING 30 NEW IMMIGRANTS



NEW YORK, NY – August 14, 2008 – EL AL, Israel’s national airline, demonstrating its tradition and ongoing commitment to aid victims in a time of crisis operated two special flights to Tbilisi, Georgia this week to rescue Israelis trapped in the war torn country.

EL AL, which does not have any regular air service to Georgia, was asked by the Israeli Foreign Ministry to operate the life-saving flights. The two 757 aircraft departed Tel Aviv on Tuesday and returned to Israel that same night, bringing home approximately 500 passengers that included Israelis who were in Georgia vacationing or on business plus 30 new immigrants.

“EL AL revealed its national responsibility. At the height of the busy tourist season, the airline immediately made an aircraft and crews available for this project,” said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson. “EL AL crews demonstrated their ultimate professional ability and bravery when flying into the battle zone.”

Pictured above are Israeli passengers and new immigrants disembarking at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel from one of two EL AL rescue flights arriving from Tbilisi, Georgia.