EL-AL From Israel, joined Oct 2001, 1119 posts, RR: 5 Posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days ago) and read 9569 times:
Israir, Israel's 3rd airline, has replaced it's fleet in 2011 when it bought 4 brand new airplanes: 2 A320-200s and 2 ATR 72-500. I was invited to the inaugural service ceremony in October 2011, but I was out of Israel at that time. When I was off to Eilat last year, I choose Arkia's B753 and not Israir, however I still wanted to try both new planes.
This looked like the right time: a few days after my last exam for the semester I took some days off work, heading south again, using once again the low prices and warm climate this time of the year the Red sea has to offer. I booked 3 nights with round trip flights, using both SDV & TLV, giving me the chance to fly on the 2 new planes. My good friend Lilach helped me with pre-flight seat assignments.
I will not post many pics of the airports, as all 3 (SDV, ETH & TLV T1) were described and photographed in detail on my older Eilat TRs:
My target this time was to visit Aqaba, in Jordan, as I was never there even though it is right near Eilat. I took my passport with me and contacted a company that will help me cross the border since the Jordanians demand that Israelis will always be part of an organized tour as they enter the Hashemite Kingdom. Price of RJ flights to Aqaba from TLV via AMM, in case you wanted to know: $650. No kidding.
I got to Dov Hoz airport at 13:30 for my 14:30 departure. Security and check in took no time in Sde Dov's small terminal, and within 10 minutes I had my boarding pass to seat 2-D. Terminal:
Tarmac:
We boarded the 1.5 year old ATR:
It's twin, 4X-ATI:
Not for tall people!
I took my seat up front. We taxied right on time and took off from runway 21:
The flight, surprisingly, was 100% full:
TLV airport is down there:
Cruising at 15,000 feet:
We were given drinks and a small muffin, couldn't take a picture as I had no table. Legroom:
Aqaba, where I was the next day:
Landing in Eilat:
Cabin view after landing:
As I was taking the picture, the pilot approached me and asked if I needed something, I told him that I cover the aviation world for one of Israel's news companies, then he told me “you should have told us, we would have invited you to the cockpit”. Damn! I should have thought about that myself. My ride:
Arkia B757-300:
I stayed at the Rimonim central park hotel, which was better then I expected for the price I paid – real good value for money:
The best part was that my room had a view of the airport, so a great part of my vacation was sitting, with a book and a drink, watching airplanes:
The next day I woke up early and drove to my focus on this trip – the Jordanian port city of Aqaba. With 110,000 residents, it's the 5th largest city in Jordan, about twice the size of Eilat. Aqaba's area was declared a special economic zone by the King in 2003, and ever since the area is developing rapidly, including the tourism Industry. This is not just good for Jordan, but also good for Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia as many tourists combine countries during their visit, and all have an interest to keep the gulf area safe and quite. At the border crossing:
My first visit was to the Great arab revolt plaza, the square that hosts the 5th tallest flagpole in the world:
It carries the flag of the Arab revolt – the occupation of Aqaba by arab revolt fighters in WW1 is described nicely in the movie "Lawrence of Arabia".
Aqaba:
Northern Aqaba:
IL-76 heading to AJQ airport:
Eilat, from the other side of the Gulf:
View of the Gulf, from east:
As close as I will ever get to this country with my passport!
The Royal family:
If I may have a word of politics (just skip 2 paragraphs if you are not interested):
I can't put my finger on it, but there is something that the Jordanians are doing which is done right. Taking a look on what is going on around Jordan – bloody civil war in Syria, ongoing violence in Iraq, discriminating theocracy in Saudi Arabia, ongoing instability in Egypt – not to mention the Israel/Arab conflict to its west – Jordan is stable, safe and has more freedom of speech and more democracy then most arab countries.
Demonstrations against the King in Amman usually don't have more than a few hundred people, out of population of 6.5 million. The Jordanians (which are about 75% Palestinians and 25% Bedouins and Hashemites) have safe borders and social stability in spite of Jordan been a poor country. I can only admire King Hussien, who ruled Jordan until 1999, and King Abdulla II who is ruling Jordan ever since for this achievement:
Home sweet home:
The next day I woke up early, and walked to the Egyptian border and back. Sunrise over Adom mountains:
New attraction in Eilat – don't forget it's up to +45C outside in the summer:
Eilat airport action:
For the flight back, I wanted to get rid of my bag as I had to clear my room, but I was told I can drop it off only 1:45 minutes prior to takeoff. So I had to take it with me while I had lunch nearby (the advantages of a city center airport). I went back to the airport, dropped my bag off and got my boarding pass to 1A. The agent wasn't very nice, tough.
Eilat airport Thursday mess:
My ride arrives, 4X-ABG, delivered in june 2010:
Jet blast!
Boarding was called a few minutes late, and we ended up in the air 15 minutes late:
IZ753 taxing after another hop from TLV:
Cabin view from my seat (1A). Full house:
Airborne:
Breathtaking sunset over the desert, I choose the prefect hour to fly:
Jerusalem from above:
Tel Aviv, sorry for the blurry pics:
First time I see a flight map on this route:
Landed on runway 08 and taxied to the stand. Disembarking:
We were bussed to the terminal, it took the luggage about 10 more minutes. Airline name barned items:
This is it, comments and feedback are welcome as always.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 2, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 9130 times:
Hi Jonathan,
great report with many nice pictures! Very good to see a review of Arkia's ATR and A320.
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): Price of RJ flights to Aqaba from TLV via AMM, in case you wanted to know: $650. No kidding.
Wow, that's a lot!
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): As I was taking the picture, the pilot approached me and asked if I needed something, I told him that I cover the aviation world for one of Israel's news companies, then he told me “you should have told us, we would have invited you to the cockpit”. Damn!
Awesome. Maybe next time?
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter):
The best part was that my room had a view of the airport, so a great part of my vacation was sitting, with a book and a drink, watching airplanes:
Amazing view!
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter):
As close as I will ever get to this country with my passport!
Well, who knows. Let's always hope for significant changes.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 5, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 4 hours ago) and read 8235 times:
Thanks for the report. Brings back great memories of Eilat. Though, I wasn't as lucky on the outbound when I was grilled by the agent prior to getting the boarding pass due to my "odd" itinerary. Ever since then I have learned to have my Israeli better half with me.
BTW, you never know with the passport. One of my closest Indian friends who is a globetrotter and has a mutual love for Israel mentioned the other day that his 1990 passport had language saying "not valid for travel to Israel". Today, India and Israel have an extremely strong relationship.
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): We were given drinks and a small muffin, couldn't take a picture as I had no table.
Makes things a bit awkward but it is good to see in-flight service on a short flight. What is it, about an hour all up?
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): but also good for Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia as many tourists combine countries during their visit,
I know that there is a lot of people combining visits to Israel, Jordan and Egypt but am surprised to hear Saudi Arabia. In the past they have been reluctant to issue tourist visas, except to organised groups. But if that is happening it is a good sign all round.
Thanks for sharing.
Roy / Quokkas
“Not to laugh, not to cry, not to hate, but understand.” Spinoza
daviation From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 431 posts, RR: 1 Reply 9, posted (2 months 3 weeks 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 7601 times:
As always, your report is very beautiful and interesting. I have flown on Israir to SDV in the past. It was fine, but the planes were ex-Continental Express ATR-42s, a little shabby.
Eilat is always fun, but it is so hot. I am not used to so much heat! I am still amazed that a 757 can take off from Eilat's short runway in such hot temperatures.
I hope that peace remains between Israel and Jordan. When I was last there, I heard hints that they might build and share an airport, but I think that's just a far-off dream. Since I visit Israel every year or so, I've had the option to visit Petra in Jordan, but I never did it. I don't know why. Maybe because I heard that it's so hot and it's a long and arduous ride.
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 774 posts, RR: 2 Reply 10, posted (2 months 3 weeks 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 7565 times:
Hi Jonathan,
Great report and always nice to see some domestic Israel flying. Nice idea to try Arkia's new fleet!
Love your pictures of Aqaba too
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): Price of RJ flights to Aqaba from TLV via AMM, in case you wanted to know: $650. No kidding.
Wow, that's very steep!
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): The best part was that my room had a view of the airport, so a great part of my vacation was sitting, with a book and a drink, watching airplanes
Indeed it was, I wanted to stay another night because of it.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): Well, who knows. Let's always hope for significant changes.
With Saudi Arabia? don't count on that.
Quoting LY777 (Reply 3): Thanks for this nice TR, Jonathan!
Good to see a TR from you!
Thank you LY.
Quoting debonair (Reply 4): Nice TR, great pictures - the hotel location seems to be outstanding (at least for us a.netters)!
It was, i knew it was near the airport but I never thought I will have this view.
Quoting debonair (Reply 4): But something I do miss - your final verdict! So, which airline is the best to choose from? Arkia, Israir or El AL?
Well, service wise, Israir is the best, arkia is the worst and El Al is in the middle. Yet, regarding pricing, it's exactly the opposite: arkia is the cheapest, Israir is the most expensive and El Al is in the middle. When it comes to such a short flight, I book at the cheapest airline that fit my schedule, with this exception as I wanted to fly Israir's new planes.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 5): Thanks for the report. Brings back great memories of Eilat.
Thx Alex.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 5): hough, I wasn't as lucky on the outbound when I was grilled by the agent prior to getting the boarding pass due to my "odd" itinerary.
Reading your reports, I must say that your itinerary looks odd in eyes of most people, you probably understand that.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 7): Good trip report. Your choice of hotel in Eilat was perfect for the view.
Thank you, the view was damn perfect.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 7): Ouch! That is steep. The fare difference is more than enough to pay for meals and accommodation
This price is about twice the price I paid for the flights + 3 nights in my hotel.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 7): Makes things a bit awkward but it is good to see in-flight service on a short flight. What is it, about an hour all up?
One hour in the air, gate to gate a bit more. In Arkia you only get water.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 7): I know that there is a lot of people combining visits to Israel, Jordan and Egypt but am surprised to hear Saudi Arabia. In the past they have been reluctant to issue tourist visas, except to organised groups. But if that is happening it is a good sign all round.
Saudi Arabia is mainly 'exporting' tourists to Jordan and Egypt, not much the other way around.
Yes indeed. Saudi tourists visiting Jordan (as aqaba is pretty liberal in comparison to KSA) hop on the boat to Sinai, Israelis staying in Eilat visit Petra in Jordan, Europeans staying in Jordan and Egypt visit Jerusalem in Israel. This 'mix' is good for all in my opinion.
Quoting daviation (Reply 9): As always, your report is very beautiful and interesting.
Thank you dave.
Quoting daviation (Reply 9): Eilat is always fun, but it is so hot. I am not used to so much heat! I am still amazed that a 757 can take off from Eilat's short runway in such hot temperatures.
I stay away of Eilat from May till September. In the rest of the year it is great, when I was there temperature was +24-25C.
Quoting daviation (Reply 9): I hope that peace remains between Israel and Jordan. When I was last there, I heard hints that they might build and share an airport, but I think that's just a far-off dream. Since I visit Israel every year or so, I've had the option to visit Petra in Jordan, but I never did it. I don't know why. Maybe because I heard that it's so hot and it's a long and arduous ride.
If you ever do wish to visit Jordan from Israel, contact me, I knew a great company that is organizing tours to Jordan for good prices.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 10): Great report and always nice to see some domestic Israel flying. Nice idea to try Arkia's new fleet!
Love your pictures of Aqaba too
Thank you (yet I was trying Israir's new planes).
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 11):
Nice short report and a not so common airline and destination. A nice read, thanks for sharing!
My pleasure.
"In our country, those who do not believe in miracles are irrational" - David Ben Gurion.
beeweel15 From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 1693 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 6455 times:
Nice report but I have to ask how much security clearance you have to get those pics cause here at JFK EL AL problems when you take pics even if it is not their plane but they are parked next to it.
Quoting beeweel15 (Reply 14): I have to ask how much security clearance you have to get those pics cause here at JFK EL AL problems when you take pics even if it is not their plane but they are parked next to it.
I could take as many photos as I wished, no one told me anything.
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 848 posts, RR: 4 Reply 19, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 4606 times:
Hi Jonathan
Always nice to read trip reports from Israel. Thanks for sharing
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): We were given drinks and a small muffin, couldn't take a picture as I had no table. Legroom:
Were you facing somebody on the flight? All the seats seem to be regular in the layout in the other pics.
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): I was invited to the inaugural service ceremony
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): I told him that I cover the aviation world for one of Israel's news companies, then he told me “you should have told us, we would have invited you to the cockpit”. Damn! I should have thought about that myself. My ride:
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 21, posted (2 months 1 week 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 4125 times:
Nice report - I'd love a trip to Israel someday. Nice to see a bit of Aqaba too. I Flew into AQJ, but was in such a rush to get to Wadi Ruim I didn't see anything of the city.
Quoting EL-AL (Thread starter): As I was taking the picture, the pilot approached me and asked if I needed something, I told him that I cover the aviation world for one of Israel's news companies, then he told me “you should have told us, we would have invited you to the cockpit”. Damn! I should have thought about that myself. My ride:
Very nice. I guess the normal Israeli paranoia/security doesn't come into play on domestics?
EL-AL From Israel, joined Oct 2001, 1119 posts, RR: 5 Reply 22, posted (2 months 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 3329 times:
Hey Gabriel, thx for your comment,
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 21): Nice report - I'd love a trip to Israel someday. Nice to see a bit of Aqaba too. I Flew into AQJ, but was in such a rush to get to Wadi Ruim I didn't see anything of the city.
Not much to see there really if you are not into diving. I just wanted to see how it looks like. AQJ was out of line for me - the last thing I wanted to explain to a Jordanian soldier is why an Israeli is taking photos in an airport.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 21): Very nice. I guess the normal Israeli paranoia/security doesn't come into play on domestics?
You'll be surprised to see what a press card + channel 2 employee card can do around here. Better them platinum frequent flayer card!
Jonathan
"In our country, those who do not believe in miracles are irrational" - David Ben Gurion.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 23): I had only been to Aqaba once, and that was over 20 years ago. So it was very nice to see it featured in this report!
Aqaba has changed a lot in the past 20 years, in particular since 2003 with the establishment of the special economic zone. I remember hopping to EIlat every once in a while and noticing a new neighborhood across the fence every time.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 23): The view from your hotel in Eliat looks amazing! I could spend days sitting in a hotel room watching planes
It was amazing indeed, yet in many Eilat hotels you can get an airport view.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 23): Many thanks for sharing this with us.
My pleasure.
"In our country, those who do not believe in miracles are irrational" - David Ben Gurion.
25 LY777: Really? That's interesting. This is the first time I hear about that!
26 debonair: Just read the news from EL AL, that Israir will operate some of their flights from April 21st 2013 with ATR 72... http://www.elal.co.il/ELAL/English/
27 EL-AL: They have some kind of agreement with Israir as El Al is limited with the number of seats it can offer to Eilat, yet it has nothing smaller then the
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