EL AL Israel Airlines has expanded its Boeing Dreamliner fleet after converting its existing aircraft orders and securing new purchase options, the airline said today (April 16).
The airline confirmed in an investor update that it exercised options for six additional 787-9 aircraft from an agreement signed in 2024. The agreement included three firm 787-9 aircraft.
Additionally, the airline has converted the three aircraft and one of the options into the larger 787-10 variant.
The airline has also obtained new options to purchase up to six more Dreamliner aircraft, giving it further flexibility over the coming decade.
This means up to 12 additional 787s. The total cost of the aircraft, including model upgrades and spare engines is around $1.5bn. Final costs will be dependent on engine selection and future price adjustments.
Deliveries of the currently planned aircraft are scheduled between 2030 and 2032, while any additional jets from the new options would arrive between 2033 and 2035.
Once completed, EL AL’s Dreamliner fleet is expected to grow from 17 aircraft to 28, and potentially up to 34 if all additional options are exercised.
The airline is preparing for a gradual return to its regular flight schedule. Next week, EL AL will operate flights to around 40 active gateways.