Arkia Airlines marks another milestone in its journey to becoming a global player in the aviation market: Yesterday (September 20), the airline conducted an official demonstration flight for the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) as part of the process to obtain a license for operating long-haul flights across the Atlantic Ocean.
The flight was carried out using the company’s state-of-the-art A321LR aircraft, fully operated by Arkia’s flight crews and attendants. This strategic move positions Arkia as another Israeli airline capable of operating direct flights to North American destinations, primarily to JFK Airport in New York.
A Move Opening Doors to Distant Destinations
The demonstration flight is critically important for Arkia, marking a milestone in obtaining official approval to operate long-haul routes, including transatlantic and Asian destinations. This is another step in building the company’s capabilities to expand to distant destinations with existing A321LR aircraft and future aircraft expected to join the fleet.
Management Remarks: Oz Berlovich and Yotam Gal-On
Oz Berlovich, CEO of Arkia, commented on the move:
“This is an important day for Arkia. The demonstration flight we conducted is a significant milestone in the development of the company for long-haul flights. This year we launched the New York route with accessible pricing, and soon we will launch flights to Thailand and Vietnam. This move establishes our position in the competitive market, even on long routes. Thanks to the company’s employees and the ICAA for their cooperation.”
Captain Yotam Gal-On, the company’s VP of Operations, also praised the training and preparation process:
“In just a few months, we managed to establish a full operational infrastructure: training air crews, developing complex procedures, and setting up a launch system for crossing the ocean. This is a significant achievement that places Arkia alongside international airlines.”
On the Path to Entering the International Aviation Market
Arkia, which previously focused mainly on short and medium-haul destinations, is changing direction and establishing itself as a rising force in long-haul flights. The latest move – combined with new routes to New York, Thailand, and Vietnam – is expected to position it as a competitive airline in the international arena.
The continued expansion of Arkia’s destination map, combined with a commitment to continuous service improvement and competitive pricing, is likely to significantly impact the Israeli aviation market in the coming years.
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