Summary

  • airHaifa’s launch during turmoil showcases confidence in Israel’s future.
  • ATR’s fuel-efficient aircraft ideal for regional startup operations.
  • Haifa’s short runway limits aircraft size, but ATR 72-600 a perfect fit for airHaifa.

Starting a new airline at any time is a tough business, but we should tip our hats to the owners and managers of the new Israeli startup carrier airHaifa. Launching a new passenger airline amid the turmoil and danger of the situation in Israel is a remarkable sign of confidence in a brighter future.

Today was the day

ATR, the joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, today announced it had delivered the first of two ATR 72-600s to airHaifa, a new airline based at Haifa Uri Michaeli Airport (HFA) in northern Israel. The airline was founded in March 2023 and is now in the final stages of receiving its operating license from Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority, which the airline hopes to have completed in September.

atr 72-600

Photo: ATR

The airline is banking on convincing the three million residents of northern Israel to switch to its operations at HFA rather than head further afield to Israel’s main Ben Gurion International Airport. It has also been reported that initially, airHaifa plans to service routes around the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions, such as Cyprus and Eliat, which the 72-seat ATRs will ideally serve.

Related

Israel’s 1st New Carrier Since The 90s: Air Haifa Plans To Launch ATR 72-600 Flights

Air Haifa is still awaiting for its air operator’s certificate (AOC) from the local aviation authorities.

The ATR 72-600 is powered by two new-generation Pratt & Whitney PW127XT-M turboprop engines, which optimize performance and operating economics while cutting CO2 emissions. CEO of airHaifa Gonen Usishkin said the airline is “beyond excited” to take delivery of the first aircraft, which is a significant milestone as it ramps up to providing commercial services.

“We focus on sustainable development, passenger satisfaction, and regional connectivity; by building our fleet around the ATR 72-600 we will continue to actively contribute to our region’s economic prosperity and provide our customers with affordable, reliable, convenient and socially responsible means of transport.”

A real startup

In true startup fashion, the airline was founded by a team of entrepreneurial Israeli aviation professionals led by Nir Zuk, the American-Israeli founder of cybersecurity business Palo Alto Networks. He is joined by former senior executives of Isreal’s flag carrier, El Al Airlines.

ATR 72-600 landing at Dublin Airport DUB shutterstock_1966434334

Photo: Croatorum | Shutterstock

The Haifa airport has a short runway of just 4,324 feet, which is plenty for the ATR 72-600, but it limits the size of aircraft that can operate from HFA. Built by the British in 1934, it was the first international airport in Israel before the construction of Ben-Gurion International near Tel Aviv.

An El Al Plane at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

Photo: ChameleonsEye | Shutterstock

ATR turboprops have proven themselves in various roles in all environments and perform exceptionally well in hot and high conditions in more remote regions. Their low operating costs and strong environmental credentials make them a perfect choice for opening new routes, and in 2023, 160 new routes were launched using ATR aircraft.

Compared to a regional jet, the ATRs have a 40% greater cost-efficiency, and their lower acquisition and operating costs make the turboprop an ideal choice for startups chasing a low-cost per trip. ATR also has a solid reputation for supporting its customers beyond delivering the aircraft, which will be a real benefit for airHaifa in its initial stages and launch of operations in the coming months.

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