Israeli carriers request government assistance to cover losses from ongoing Gaza conflict

Israel’s airlines have asked the national government for emergency assistance to cover losses sustained as a result of the continuing conflict in Gaza.In a letter signed by the chief executives of El Al, Arkia and Israir, and addressed to the ministers of transportation, finance, economy and tourism, the airlines requested a  reduction in operator fees at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International airport, until the end of 2014.The airlines are also requesting state-guaranteed loans to pay suppliers and to boost cash flow; and are also seeking a grant to cover the cost of the many pilots and technical staff called up