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El Al is expecting to take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft this August, with commercial service starting in September, according to Reuters. Over the weekend, the airline released renderings of the interiors of these new aircraft, which will feature business-class, premium economy and economy cabins.
We’re most excited for the new business-class product, which looks like it’ll finally be able to compete against other airlines flying to Israel. Per the seat map of the 787-9 provided by the airline, it will feature 32 lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 pattern, with each providing direct aisle access. Each will be 21 inches wide and will measure 78 inches long when fully flat.
The seats themselves remind us a bit of United’s Polaris business class on board its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and represent a huge step up for the Israeli carrier, as it currently features angle-flat seats in business class on its long-haul aircraft.
The new Dreamliners will also feature a true premium economy cabin with 28 seats that are 19 inches wide and arranged in a 2-3-2 pattern.
Each premium economy seat will feature large IFE screens, access to power and 38 inches of pitch.
The economy cabin will feature 222 seats arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, with each seat providing 31 inches of pitch and 17 inches of width.
According to the Jewish Press, El Al will begin flying the new Dreamliners on its Tel Aviv (TLV) – London (LHR) flights this fall, followed soon after by its Newark (EWR) – TLV flights — great news for US-based flyers and likely a necessary move for the Israeli carrier. United is already flying its newest 777-300ER aircraft on the same route.
As a reminder, the only transferable point program that partners with Matmid (El Al’s frequent flyer program) is American Express Membership Rewards. And you might not be getting the best value, as the redemption ratio is 20 Matmid points for every 1,000 Membership Rewards points transferred. EWR to TLV will cost you at least 1,400 Matmid points (70,000 MR points) in economy and at least 4,000 Matmid points (200,000 MR points) in business class.
Source: thepointsguy.com