Israir
Israel · ISRAIR · Active
Airline Identity
History
Israir traces its roots to 1989, when it was founded as Kanfei HaEmek ("Valley Wings"), a small Israeli domestic carrier, before rebranding as Israir Airlines in 1996 and expanding into international charter flying by 1999. It briefly operated transatlantic service to New York starting in 2004 but withdrew from the route in 2008 amid high fuel costs and economic pressure. Ownership passed through several Israeli business groups over the following decades as the airline grew into Israel's second-largest carrier behind El Al, built around a fleet of Airbus A320-family jets serving Europe and the eastern Mediterranean.
Current Operations
Israir operates scheduled and charter domestic and international flights primarily from Ben Gurion Airport, with some routes also served from Ramon Airport near Eilat, using a fleet built around leased Airbus A320s. It is wholly owned by the Rami Levi Group, an Israeli retail conglomerate, and in December 2025 announced plans to acquire Airbus A330 widebodies to relaunch long-haul service to New York and Miami, targeted for mid-2026. Israir remains outside the major global alliances and competes chiefly with El Al and Arkia on Israeli routes.
Last verified 2026-09-03· Source: airline public disclosures, company press releases & aviation-industry reporting.