EL AL expands cargo network to Dominican Republic

Israel-based EL AL Airlines (EL AL) has transported 25 tonnes of medical equipment to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, onboard a Boeing 787-900 passenger aircraft.

The flight, which marked the first time that EL Al had operated in San Domingo, was greeted by Daniel Biran Bayor, the Israeli Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, upon landing.

The return flight to Israel was loaded with 41 tonnes of fresh pineapples, arranged by AIA Cargo – Aeroplus.

Both flights in the round trip were part of El Al Cargo’s strategy aimed at bridging the coronavirus-related cargo capacity shortfall by operating cargo-only flights utilising with aircraft.

Last month, EL AL signed a deal with logistics firm Kuehne + Nagel to operate 150 cargo flights during the next six months.

The deal involves EL AL operating cargo flights between China and Italy, via Israel, from April until October.

Cargo onboard the flights includes essential medical equipment and supplies required for the fight against Covid-19.

Meanwhile, FlightGlobal reports that the Israeli flag-carrier has received a preliminary indication that the government is prepared to provide support to the airline but with conditions attached.

El Al had been in talks over a commercial loan with state-backed guarantee, after being turned down for an assistance package from the ministry of finance.

It states that it has received an “outline” from the ministry that a guarantee could be delivered, subject to “certain conditions”.

But the proposal is still to be made formal and El Al has not confirmed details.