Latest News
HomeAviationEL AL Israel Airlines wins first place for aviation and travel innovation hub titled “Cockpit”
Airlines

EL AL Israel Airlines wins first place for aviation and travel innovation hub titled “Cockpit”

In an effort to stay ahead of global aviation trends, EL AL Israel Airlines launched the “Cockpit” program to create an opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into the knowledge and ideas of aviation and travel startups.

NEW YORK – As Israel is often known as “The Startup Nation,” EL AL Israel Airlines has introduced “Cockpit,” a state-of-the-art digital program for supporting and accelerating startups in the fields of aviation and travel. The trendsetting program won first prize this week in an international competition held by the Airline Passengers Experience Association (APEX) in the prestigious category, “Best Achievement in Passenger Experience 2015.” This award is considered to be the Oscars of the aviation industry. More than 100 of the world’s leading airlines submitted entries in this category and four companies made it to the finals.

In an effort to stay ahead of global aviation trends, EL AL Israel Airlines launched the “Cockpit” program to create an opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into the knowledge and ideas of aviation and travel startups. The program offers access to EL AL resources and international network to build and support innovative concepts. Global startups to advanced companies, having the latest technological innovations in the early stages, are encouraged to apply through a rigorous submission process.

“The Cockpit program was launched this summer and is already receiving international recognition. We’re proud to have won this important prize and be among the world’s top airlines that are working to create innovation for the benefit of the passenger experience,” said EL AL CEO, David Maimon.

With the ability to pilot ideas and introduce their product to EL AL customers and partners, select startups will benefit from comprehensive support including:

  • Access to EL AL systems for development and integration of a Beta site platform
  • Initial funding
  • Mentoring and counseling in all areas of expertise including marketing, advertising, engineering, service and technology
  • Exposure as well as access to local and worldwide markets as well as strategic partners
  • Opportunity to have EL AL Israel Airlines as a customer.

To provide further benefits to these startups, EL AL has partnered with the Microsoft Ventures accelerator to offer additional advantages including access to technological platforms, mentoring, office space and information sharing.

“This prize marks the overwhelming support of the global aviation industry in Cockpit’s way, an innovation hub for groundbreaking technologies improving the world of aviation tourism,” stated Henry Chen Weinstein, CEO, Cockpit.

Since its inception earlier this year, several startups are already active members of the program. For example, BidFlyer is an advanced public sales platform, which can be integrated into an airline’s system and provide a new channel for ticket sales at attractive prices. Another participating startup is ShopnFly, which allows travelers to search for and compare duty-free prices, purchase a range of goods at every stage of their journey, and collect the products they have ordered at airport stores, on the aircraft or at their hotel. “Cockpit” continues to form strategic collaborations with additional partners.

Boeing, EL AL Israel Airlines Agree on 787 Dreamliner Order
Boeing and EL AL Israel Airlines agreed on an order today for up to nine 787 Dreamliners, valued at more than $2.2 billion at current list prices. Three of the orders will be added to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website on Nov. 5 and the remainder will be posted as further contractual requirements are finalized.

EL AL will also lease six additional 787s from independent leasing companies as the Israeli-flag carrier looks to replace and grow its existing long-haul fleet, increasing capacity and providing greater route flexibility to and from its hub at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.

“I am proud to unveil today the largest aircraft acquisition program in the history of EL AL. Our agreement to purchase 787 Dreamliners is a significant step forward in the optimization of our route network, enhancing passenger service and the overall flight experience,” said David Maimon. “These aircraft are the latest and most advanced in the world and are efficient and economical. I am convinced that this move is a great opportunity to meet the high standard expected of us and continue the momentum in EL AL’s focus to provide our customer with maximum comfort, the newest and best technology and deliver a high standard of service on-board.”

EL AL has been an all-Boeing carrier since taking delivery of its first Boeing airplane in 1961 and currently operates a fleet of 22 737s, seven 747s, seven 767s and six 777s.

“Boeing is proud of our long-standing relationship dating back to the delivery of the airline’s first 707 in 1961 and we are pleased to now count EL AL as the newest 787 customer,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “The Dreamliner is a perfect fit for EL AL’s medium to long haul routes. The addition of 787s to the EL AL fleet will enable it to grow its route structure, while providing more range and capacity with exceptional passenger comfort.”

The 787 is a family of technologically advanced, super-efficient airplanes with new passenger-pleasing features. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to midsize airplanes, the 787 will provide EL AL with unmatched fuel efficiency and environmental performance, using 20 percent less fuel and with 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces.

Photo caption: Shown at the APEX awards in Portland, Oregon (left-right) are: Yuval Fialkov, Manager, Business Development, EL AL; Henry Chen Weinstein, CEO, Cockpit Innovation Hub; Rafi Dabush, Manager, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, EL AL; Rajan Datar, Master of Ceremonies, APEX Awards; Rinat Bar-on, Marketing Manager, Cockpit Innovation Hub; Nimrod Borovitz, Director, Business Development and Fleet Strategy, EL AL. Photo credit: APEX.

Co-Founder & Managing Director - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

28/03/2024
27/03/2024
26/03/2024
25/03/2024
22/03/2024
21/03/2024