Tourism thread

[Livni]

el al must be furious

[ira]

UK's bmi says plans to start flights to Israel


British airline intends to launch daily nonstop flights from London's Heathrow and Ben-Gurion International Airport starting next spring

Reuters Published: 09.11.07, 17:51 / Israel Money




British carrier bmi said on Tuesday it intends to launch a daily nonstop flight from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv next spring.



The announcement comes three months after Thomsonfly, a low-cost British airline, said it would start three flights a week to Israel in November from Luton airport starting at 80 pounds ($163) one-way and 140 pounds round-trip including taxes and fees.



Bmi said in a statement that its intention to start flights to Tel Aviv stems from a successful outcome of talks between the Israeli and British governments on allowing a second UK and Israeli carrier to fly between Heathrow and Ben-Gurion International Airport.



Bmi, Heathrow's second-largest airline behind British Airways , said it would apply immediately to be designated as the second carrier.



A bmi spokeswoman said once that occurs, it will provide details on an exact start date, fares and the type of aircraft.



"The opportunity to be part of the growing business links and ties between the UK and Israel is extremely exciting and we shall look forward to playing our part in widening the competitive air links between the two countries, and the economic growth that this has historically achieved," Nigel Turner, bmi's chief executive officer, said in a statement.





Currently, BA and flag carrier El Al Israel Airlines both have numerous nonstop daily flights between London and Tel Aviv.




Tourism to Israel has rebounded after slumping in the wake of last summer's war between Israel and Lebanese Hizbullah. For the first seven months of 2007, tourism is up 1.7 percent a year earlier at 1.23 million visitors.

[ira]

El Al prices continue to climb


Israeli airline to raise prices next week, other airlines expected to follow suit

Arie Egozi Published: 09.17.07, 09:28 / Israel Money


Israeli’s national airline, El Al, will raise prices by $5-$16 per flight starting September 23 due to the steady climb of jet fuel costs.


The constant increase in jet fuel prices hit an all time high last week, reaching $80.04 per barrel. Other airlines – Israeli and otherwise – are expected to follow suit and raise prices accordingly.



Come next week, a flight to a nearby destination, such as Turkey or Greece, will cost passengers $5 more. Flights to slightly farther off destinations, such as London or Paris, will be increased by $9. Passengers wishing to travel as far as the United States or the Far East will be expected to pay $16 more for their ticket.


El Al last raised prices in July, also due to the increase of jet fuel costs.


Rami Levi, VP of sales at El Al, said Sunday that the cost of jet fuel was expected to remain high. “Fuel is an airlines main production output, so we are obliged to raise prices accordingly,” Levi explained.

[Livni]

great!! raise them by as much as possible to drive the world to find energy alternatives. Hope the price of oil will rise to 1000 $ a barrel, then maybe the car and flight and other industries will wake up.

[Livni]

post tourism related issues here