airHaifa preparing to bring a unique operating model to the Israel market
Start up airHaifa will bring unique elements to the Israeli market, with a base in the country's north at Haifa Airport and a fleet of ATR turboprops to serve regional routes.
airHaifa took delivery of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft on 26-Jul-2024, with its second expected in 2025. The airline expects to complete certification with the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel in Sep-2024.
The carrier will be Israel's first new airline since the 1990s, the first commercial airline to be based in Haifa and the only Israeli airline currently operating regional turboprops, according to the CAPA - Centre for Aviation Fleet Database.
AirHaifa plans to launch operations in 2H2024 with ATR 72-600 turboprops
By basing operations at Haifa Airport, airHaifa aims to improve travel opportunities for the three million Israelis residing in the country's north. airHaifa has noted that for residents of northern Israel, commuting to another airport and getting through the terminal can take longer than the flight itself.
Located about 90km north of Tel Aviv, Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel and the third largest city in the country. The city has an important role in Israel's economy and is home to Matam, one of the largest high tech parks in the country. Haifa Bay is a centre of heavy industry, petroleum refining and chemical processing. Haifa is also home to the Bah'ai World Centre and its gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the German Colony district and a selection of museums.
According to OAG, Haifa Airport was served by Israir Airlines with scheduled services in 2019 and 2020, followed by a period of no scheduled commercial services until 2023 when Universal Air launched charters to the airport.
airHaifa plans to operate to Mediterranean and Red Sea destinations with its ATR 72-600 aircraft.
The airline is expected to include the domestic port town of Eilat and international destinations in Cyprus, Greece and Türkiye to its network.
Many of these target destinations are among Israel's largest international markets by departing seats.
Israel, country destination markets, seats (w/c 29-Jul-2024)
Destinations within the range of the ATR 72 from Haifa include Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Athens, Heraklion, Larnaca, Paphos, Amman, Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh.
All destinations in Türkiye are potentially within range for airHaifa, however there are political tensions over the conflict in Gaza, with Türkiye imposing a trade ban on Israel in May-2024.
There are currently no scheduled nonstop services between Israel and Türkiye, according to OAG, with the majority of Israeli and Turkish carriers suspending scheduled services in 4Q2023.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing conflict, airHaifa could make a unique contribution to Israel's aviation market by serving the north of the country with its fleet of regional turboprops.