Globes is reporting that outgoing UMI chairman Avihu Ben-Nun is heading a group of investors that wants to establish a new airline on the New York-Tel Aviv route. Another investor is Leon Charney. The investors may lease planes or cooperate with US airlines that currently do not operate this route.
Ben-Nun is a former commander of the Israel Air Force. He will leave United Motors Israel Ltd. (UMI), the importer of Chevrolet, Isuzu, Saab, Opel, Cadillac, and Hummer, in December. He confirmed to Globes that he was examining this idea. He added that the investor group would propose a new and competitive model that would include follow-on flights to other destinations in the US.
Aviation industry sources are skeptical about the new company’s ability to compete on the New York route, which is saturated with Israeli, US, and European carriers. US and Israeli carriers make direct flights, while European airlines make follow-on flights from Europe. The sources added that high fuel prices were hurting airlines’ profits.
The Tel Aviv-New York route is considered very profitable, with planes almost fully occupied throughout the year. Continental says that its Tel Aviv route is one of its most profitable. Earlier this year, it announced planned to add a plane to the route in 2008 or 2009 at the latest.
(Source: Globes)
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6 Responses
Is he related to Yehoshua Bin Nun?
More legroom, addl bathrooms, enough overhead space and I will be on board.
to “thevoos”:
Yehoshua had no sons, only daughters. unless his gggggggggggggggg-grandfather took on his mother’s last name.
good more options will lead to better prices. I’m sorry it doesn’t bother me that elal only made $37 billion instead of $47 billion at my expense!!!!!!
if they will have elal’s standards for security & continental’s standard for customer service, then count me in!
Good Luck Let me know when it starts