Come mid next year you’ll be able to earn Qantas Points on direct flights from Melbourne to Tel Aviv
Israel’s national carrier, El Al Airlines recently announced plans to commence a direct service between Tel Aviv and Melbourne in June 2024.
The flight
The new 15-hour flight will mark the first ever non-stop route between Israel and Australia.
Originally meant to launch in 2020, the long-awaited route was put on hold as a result of the pandemic.
Now underway, the plan includes a thrice-weekly direct service, operated by El Al’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The details
El Al has now signed a Letter of Intent with the Victorian Government, with both parties highlighting the importance of the new route.
El Al CEO, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia said the newly announced service will soon position Victoria as “Israel’s gateway to Australia”.
Meanwhile, Victoria’s Industry and Innovation Minister Ben Carrol said this is also an important move for Australia’s economy.
“More international flights to such an important trading partner will power our economy and boost our status as a key destination for tourism, trade and investment,” Mr Carroll said.
The aircraft
Passengers can expect a comfortable and modern fit out onboard El Al’s 787 Dreamliner, with London-based firm PriestmanGoode behind the aircraft’s updated seats and cabins.
While there’s no first class, the business class cabin (coined ‘Business First’) features 32 seats in a staggered 1-2-1 layout, with the 21-inch-wide seats able to transform into a 78-inch fully-flat bed with the click of a button.
The seats are each nestled in amongst a 16-inch HD screen, with shelves and spacious storage compartments making for a pleasantly private space.
Tones of wood, chocolate and champagne set a rich tone of luxury throughout business class, and are also repeated throughout the aircraft in premium economy and economy cabins.
Summing up: Good news for Qantas Frequent Flyers
El Al is not part of any of the three major airline alliances, but the Israeli airline is a Qantas partner, meaning Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn and burn Qantas Points on QF codeshare flights.
Both Melbourne and Sydney have large Jewish populations, meaning this non-stop air link between Australia and Israel will soon be a key route in Australia’s expanding post-pandemic international flight network.
Will you be earning Qantas Points on direct El Al flights to Tel Aviv?
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