Israir has entered a new era in its history after taking delivery of its first Airbus A330-200, a former American Airlines widebody that had remained in long-term storage since early 2020. The arrival marks the airline’s return to long-haul flying and sets the stage for the launch of nonstop services between Tel Aviv and New York later this summer.
The aircraft, now registered as 4X-BAK, landed at Ben Gurion Airport following a ferry flight from the United States with an intermediate stop in Cyprus. Upon arrival, the 16-year-old jet received a traditional water cannon salute, symbolizing a milestone not only for Israir but also for Israel’s broader aviation sector.
Previously operating under registration N284AY, the aircraft began its commercial career with US Airways in 2010 before joining American Airlines following the merger between the two carriers. American retired the jet in February 2020 during the dramatic reduction in flying triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it had remained parked at Roswell International Air Center in New Mexico before eventually being acquired by Texas-based aviation investment company Jetran.
Israir Adds Its First Widebody In Nearly Two Decades
The newly delivered A330 represents Israir’s first widebody aircraft in almost twenty years. Until now, the airline’s fleet consisted entirely of eight Airbus A320-200 narrowbody aircraft configured for short and medium-haul operations across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Chief Executive Officer Uri Sirkis described the aircraft’s arrival as a transformative moment for the carrier. According to Sirkis, the acquisition process, combined with extensive training for flight crews, ground personnel, and maintenance teams, has fundamentally repositioned Israir within the competitive Israeli aviation landscape.
A second Airbus A330-200, registered as 4X-BAL, is expected to join the fleet shortly. Like its sister aircraft, it is also a former US Airways and American Airlines jet of similar age. The acquisition of both aircraft reportedly forms part of an investment valued at approximately $85 million, underscoring the airline’s determination to establish a sustainable long-haul operation.
Tel Aviv-New York Flights Scheduled For August Launch
The primary purpose behind the A330 acquisition is Israir’s planned launch of nonstop flights between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport in early August.
Israir secured regulatory approval to operate flights to New York in 2025, becoming the third Israeli carrier authorized to serve the strategically important transatlantic market alongside El Al and Arkia. However, without widebody aircraft capable of operating ultra-long-haul sectors, the airline required a rapid fleet expansion strategy.
The Airbus A330-200 offers the necessary range and passenger capacity to operate the roughly 5,700-mile route efficiently. Interestingly, this is not Israir’s first attempt at serving New York. The airline previously operated transatlantic services between 2004 and 2008 using Boeing 767 aircraft and leased Airbus A330s. Those operations were eventually discontinued because of mounting operational costs.
Before beginning scheduled flights to New York, both A330s are expected to operate selected European services. Deploying the aircraft on shorter sectors will allow crews to gain operational experience while ensuring the airline’s new long-haul systems function smoothly before the high-profile JFK launch.
Market Conditions Create A Unique Opportunity
Israir’s entry into the transatlantic market comes at a particularly significant time. Ongoing regional security concerns have led several major US airlines to suspend service to Israel.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have repeatedly extended their suspensions to Tel Aviv, while American Airlines has postponed its own return plans until at least early 2027. The absence of US competitors creates a rare market opening for Israeli airlines capable of maintaining service continuity.
As a result, Israir sees considerable growth potential beyond New York. Company executives have already indicated interest in future expansion toward additional North American destinations, including Miami, as well as major Asian markets such as China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Cabin Configuration And Long-Term Ambitions
Israir has confirmed that both Airbus A330s will feature a three-class configuration likely inherited from American Airlines’ final cabin layout. Following interior modifications completed by American in 2017 and 2018, each aircraft can accommodate approximately 247 passengers, including 20 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 206 economy class seats.
To support the newly introduced fleet, Israir has partnered with Cyprus-based Bird Aviation for line maintenance services. Combined with dedicated in-house maintenance teams, the arrangement is intended to ensure operational reliability as the airline ventures into long-haul markets.
The revival of these former American Airlines A330s also highlights a broader industry trend. Several carriers, including Vietnam’s Sun PhuQuoc Airways, have recently acquired retired American widebodies that spent years in desert storage. What were once considered surplus aircraft are now finding renewed purpose as airlines worldwide seek cost-effective solutions for rapid international expansion.
