El Al is set to operate test flights between Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV), and Melbourne, Australia (MEL)
Just like Qantas’ Project Sunrise test flights, El Al announced it plans to test Tel Aviv to Melbourne.
- The intention is to operate two test flights about 10 days apart.
- This route will be trialed as it will be El Al’s longest commercial flight, three hours longer than its current longest flight which is Tel Aviv to Los Angeles.
- From Tel Aviv to Melbourne flight time is scheduled to be 16 hours and 45 minutes and the return flight is 17 hours and 45 minutes.
- The airline will operate the test flights with its Boeing 787 (assuming 787-9).
Image: 4X-EDF | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | El Al Israel Airlines | Siegi N. | JetPhotos
At 8,535 miles, this would be the world’s tenth longest flight beating Philippine Airlines’ Manila to New York JFK at 8,520 miles (I’m factoring in the new BNE-ORD and AKL-EWR flights).
However, 8,535 miles is assuming a direct path to Melbourne, but I believe El Al is not allowed to fly over Saudi Arabia, meaning the total distance will be slightly longer.
Good luck to El Al, hopefully they view it as economically sustainable and launch a direct service between Australia and Israel.