The Ministry of Transport announced today that Israel and Germany have reached an agreement to add new designated carriers on routes between the two countries.
According to the agreement, each side can name two airlines as designated carriers to operate flights between the two countries. Similar agreements have been reached recently between Israel and Britain, Belgium, France, Russia, Italy, and other countries.
According to Ministry of Transport director general Gideon Siterman, the deal will lead to a significant increase in competition and flow of passengers in and out of Israel.
The deal allows each side to operate 30 weekly flights, as opposed to the current 18. There is also an option to operate flights from other destinations in Germany. Currently, only El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. (TASE: ELAL) is a designated carrier from Israel to Germany and flies only to Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. Israir Airlines and Tourism Ltd. and Arkia Airlines Ltd. fly charter flights to Munich and Berlin.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 20, 2009
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