El Al is gearing up for increased demand for its cargo flights in the wake of the US terrorist attacks because they undergo special security measures in line with the Israeli flag carrier's passenger operations.
All El Al's cargo undergoes strict security processes, including passing through decompression chambers to activate any altitude sensitive detonation device. Dani Shapira, head of El Al's cargo department says the use of these measures allowed the Israeli airline to renew its cargo flights to New York at a very early stage after the terrorist attacks last month. "The backlog that resulted from the closed airspace and limitations on other airlines have put a strain on our fleet. The USA preparations for war have added to demand."
El Al has increased its cargo schedule on services between Tel Aviv and New York from three to five weekly flights. The airline is also operating a weekly cargo flight from Seoul to Tel Aviv via Hong Kong.
The airline's cargo fleet comprises two dedicated Boeing 747-200 freighters and two 747-200C passenger/ freighter convertibles. One of the -200Cs will be switched to all-cargo configuration earlier than planned, and the airline is "discussing the conversion of the second aircraft to meet the demand", says Shapira.
El Al had been planning to sell its two 747-200s as part of its restructuring and replace them with two leased 747-400Fs. This plan has changed because of these developments, says Shapira. "There are no 747-400Fs available, and it seems that we can use our existing cargo fleet to meet market demand."
Source: Flight International
