El Al is the national flag airline of Israel. The airline has been in operation since November 1948. El Al operates an all-Boeing fleet and flies to destinations throughout the world. The airline is also well known for its emphasis on security.
El Al was founded in September 1948. The airline grew quickly after its founding, beginning European service by the 1950s. In 1961, the airline set the world record for longest flight when it began to offer a direct New York-Tel Aviv Route. The company acquired its first Boeing 747 in 1971. The airline privatized in 2003.
El Al, translated to English means "To the Skies" or "Skyward." The airline's slogan translates literally to "The most at home in the world", but is translated to: "Home away from home." The airline also uses the slogan "It's not just an airline, it's Israel."
El Al operates a hub at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. The airline flies to 45 destinations around the world but does not fly on the Jewish Sabbath.
El Al currently flies 37 Boeing aircraft along with the narrow body 737 and 757 as well as the wide-bodied 747, 767, and 777 aircraft. The fleet's average age is 13.2 years.
El Al has stringent security procedures. Such procedures include interviewing all passengers before boarding, passing all bags through a pressurized explosion chamber, and placing armed air marshals on all flights. Because of the airline's devotion to safety, the airline has been named the most secure airline in the world by Global Traveler.
Despite being one of the most secure airlines, El Al has suffered from some security incidents. There have been numerous shootings at El Al ticket counters, most recently at the Los Angeles International Airport in 2002. The only successful hijacking of an El Al flight occurred in July, 1968 when El Al Flight 426 was taken over by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. After 40 days, Israel successfully negotiated the release of the hostages.
