Israel Airline El Al Leadership Shake-Up in 2025: New CFO & CEO Departures Amid Unprecedented Growth, Route Expansions and More

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September 22, 2025 10:46 GMT+5:30

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One of the most notable announcements from El Al in 2025 is the retirement of Yancale Shahar, the long-serving CFO, after nearly two decades with the airline. His retirement, set for November 2025, has been met with a well-planned succession strategy. Gil Feldman, currently El Al’s deputy CFO and head of the economics, budget, and business development division, will step into the role of CFO on December 1, 2025.

This leadership transition is part of a broader shift at El Al. The airline’s CEO, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, is also set to step down by the end of 2025 after a three-and-a-half-year tenure. Her departure is another significant change for the airline, which is transitioning through a period of substantial growth and transformation.

The leadership changes come at a time of unprecedented growth for El Al. The Israel-Hamas conflict, which began in October 2023, has led many international carriers to suspend flights to Tel Aviv. In contrast, El Al has benefitted from this shift, operating flights at near-full capacity while raising airfares, which has contributed to increased profits. As El Al moves forward, the company’s strategic focus is on maintaining financial stability and capitalizing on the opportunities created by its competitors’ exit from the region.

Expanding Routes and Network Growth

In 2025, El Al Israel Airlines has been actively expanding its network and launching new routes to meet the demands of both business and leisure travelers. The airline’s efforts to strengthen its market presence are evident in several key route announcements.

Tel Aviv–Eilat Service Relaunch

One of the most anticipated developments is the relaunch of the daily Tel Aviv–Eilat service, scheduled for October 2025. This route marks a return for El Al after a 10-year hiatus. With two daily flights using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, this service is expected to cater to both business travelers and leisure tourists, reinforcing El Al’s commitment to expanding domestic connectivity in Israel. The relaunch of this route is a significant move that will make travel between Tel Aviv and Eilat more accessible and convenient for Israeli residents and international visitors alike.

Fort Lauderdale Route Adjustment

Another noteworthy update is El Al’s decision to suspend its Fort Lauderdale–Tel Aviv route in May 2025, after three years of operation. In a strategic shift, El Al will now concentrate its Florida-bound flights at Miami International Airport. The airline will offer seven weekly flights between Miami and Tel Aviv, excluding the Jewish Sabbath. This change reflects the airline’s ongoing efforts to optimize its network and better serve the demand for direct flights to the U.S.

Fleet Advancements and Modernization

El Al continues to modernize its fleet to provide passengers with a more comfortable and efficient flying experience while also improving fuel efficiency. The airline has been actively integrating new aircraft into its operations, including the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a major step toward modernizing its long-haul fleet.

Boeing 787-9 Integration

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which El Al is gradually integrating into its fleet, represents a significant advancement for the airline. This aircraft offers enhanced fuel efficiency and improved passenger comfort, making it an ideal choice for long-haul flights. El Al’s investment in the Dreamliner fleet aligns with its broader strategy to modernize its fleet and maintain competitiveness in the global market. The introduction of the 787-9 will not only improve the airline’s operational efficiency but also contribute to its sustainability efforts, a growing priority in the aviation industry.

Fleet Expansion and Renewal

In addition to the Dreamliner, El Al has been expanding and renewing its fleet by adding new aircraft and leasing additional units. As of May 2025, the airline has reported an increase in the number of active aircraft, including those on ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leases. This fleet expansion and renewal are part of El Al’s broader strategy to improve its operational capacity and meet the growing demand for its services, both domestically and internationally.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

As part of its growth strategy, El Al has been forming new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. These collaborations enhance the airline’s ability to offer seamless travel options to a broader range of destinations. Through codeshare agreements and interline partnerships, El Al is expanding its global reach, allowing passengers to book combined flights with partner airlines.

Key Codeshare Agreements

El Al’s codeshare agreements with a variety of international carriers enable passengers to travel seamlessly to more destinations around the world. Some of the key partnerships include:

• Delta Air Lines: El Al and Delta Air Lines have a codeshare agreement that allows passengers to book flights on both carriers between Israel and North America. This partnership also includes a frequent flyer program collaboration, providing mutual benefits for travelers.
• Azerbaijan Airlines: In September 2025, El Al signed a codeshare agreement with Azerbaijan Airlines, expanding its reach to Central Asia and offering combined ticketing to destinations such as Baku.
• TAROM and KLM: El Al has codeshare agreements with TAROM, Romania’s national carrier, and KLM, enhancing connectivity to destinations in Eastern Europe and the Netherlands.
• Virgin Atlantic and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS): El Al’s partnerships with Virgin Atlantic and SAS offer combined ticketing to the UK and Scandinavian countries, respectively.
• JetBlue Airways: El Al has a codeshare agreement with JetBlue Airways, allowing passengers to book flights to various North American destinations.

These codeshare agreements are part of El Al’s strategy to provide a more comprehensive network and increase convenience for passengers. By collaborating with leading airlines, El Al enhances its service offerings and broadens its market reach.

Conclusion

El Al Israel Airlines is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, with leadership changes, fleet modernization, and expanded route offerings driving the airline’s growth. As the company navigates challenges in the global aviation market, it remains committed to providing exceptional service to its passengers. With the appointment of Gil Feldman as CFO, the relaunch of domestic routes, the integration of new aircraft, and strengthened strategic partnerships, El Al is poised to continue its leadership role in the region’s aviation sector.

[Source: Reuters]