Thomsonfly to launch Tel Aviv flights

Thomsonfly adds Tel Aviv
UK carrier Thomsonfly will launch flights in November from London Luton and Manchester to Tel Aviv. The flights will initially be operated as charters because talks between the UK and Israel over an amended bilateral have yet to be concluded. Israeli flag carrier El Al plans to increase capacity on five out of 12 of its flights between London and Tel Aviv by using a Boeing 747-400 on the route.

Portugalia restructures
New TAP Portugal regional subsidiary Portugalia plans to cut its workforce by 30% as part of a restructuring aimed at returning the carrier to breakeven in 2008. Headcount will be reduced from 764 to 475 with most cuts affecting Portugalia's overseas offices. At the beginning of July Portugalia began operating flights exclusively for TAP. Both airline brands have been retained but TAP Portugal is being used for all customer marketing.

Source: Airline Business