Israir to begin New York flights in September after $85m. investment in two Airbus A330 aircraft

Israir Airlines will open ticket sales for its New York route on Monday night after completing preparations to operate two Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, the company announced Monday.

The first flight from Tel Aviv to New York is scheduled for September 15, while the first flight from New York to Israel is planned for September 17.

The airline said it completed the operational and regulatory preparations for the new aircraft within three and a half months. On May 27, Israir made the final payment for the purchase of the two A330s, bringing its total investment to approximately $85 million, including service-related modifications and an inventory of spare parts.

Since then, the company said it has signed more than 60 agreements covering various aspects of the new operation and obtained the required approvals from Israel's Civil Aviation Authority, the US Department of Transportation, and the US Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA approval, received in August, represented the final major regulatory step toward allowing Israir to operate flights to the US. The airline had earlier received US Department of Transportation approval connected to the planned service and ticket sales. FAA authorization followed later that month.

Israir has also recruited and trained dedicated air crews for the A330 operation while continuing to operate its eight Airbus A320 narrow-body aircraft.

Introduction of new aircraft will be carried out gradually to prioritize safety, efficiency

The company said the introduction of the wide-body aircraft would be carried out gradually to ensure a safe and efficient transition from operational, safety, and customer-service perspectives.

The A330 acquisition is part of a broader expansion strategy announced by the carrier. Israir had previously moved to purchase two Airbus A330 aircraft as it sought to expand beyond its traditional short- and medium-haul network and develop transatlantic operations.

Israir said it would support the expansion through its Super Fly credit card, new technology, expanded commercial agreements, strategic partnerships, and growth at its company-owned maintenance center.

In addition to the two A330 aircraft that Israir will operate itself, the carrier plans to use two additional wide-body aircraft under wet-lease agreements, in which aircraft are generally supplied together with crew and other operational services.

Israir is also preparing to introduce a third self-operated wide-body aircraft during the second half of 2027, according to the company.