EL AL Israel Airlines (EL AL) has signed a deal with logistics firm Kuehne + Nagel (K+N) to operate 150 cargo flights during the next six months.
The deal will involve EL AL operating cargo flights between China and Italy, via Israel, from now until October.
Cargo onboard the flights will include essential medical equipment and supplies required for the fight against Covid-19.
The flights are expected to be operated twice daily, utilising EL AL's passenger aircraft — with cargo placed in the hold and in the cabin — as well as the carrier's recently-converted Boeing 777 passenger aircraft (pictured).
On the return leg, flights will operate from various European countries including the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
As a result of the agreement, EL AL carried out a project of converting two of its Boeing 777 passenger aircraft to fully cargo in order to maximize this option.
In addition, EL AL is transporting cargo on the Dreamliner fleet both in the belly and in the upper deck of the aircraft.
Ronen Spira, head of the EL AL cargo division, said: "This project enables EL AL to operate regular cargo flights from Europe on a daily basis, including London, Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Zurich. The Israeli industry and importers are back in business in the context of returning to work in the Israeli economy. "
Yossi Cohen, founder of K+N Israel, added: "I am delighted that we have been able to produce fruitful cooperation between the global logistics giant and Israel's national airline. This will ensure that blue and white industries return and succeed. "
