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Arkia announced Tuesday that, for the first time in the airline’s history, it will launch a business class, starting with its Tel Aviv–New York route.
“Beginning May 14, Arkia flights to New York will be operated with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, featuring a premium and luxurious business class,” the company said in a statement. “Prices for one-way business class tickets will start at $1,750 per person.”
Currently, the airline operates the route to New York with an Airbus A330-900neo aircraft belonging to the Spanish-Portuguese carrier Iberojet. The launch of the new business class is made possible through a switch to Bulgarian airline GullivAir and the use of a different aircraft model.
The new business class will feature dedicated check-in counters and fast-track boarding, along with 18 wide seats that recline fully into two-meter-long flat beds for maximum comfort. Passengers will benefit from an expanded baggage allowance, including a personal item, a carry-on and two checked bags weighing up to 32 kilograms each.
The service experience is designed to be premium, offering personal headphones, a pillow and blanket, bottled water, slippers and a business-class amenities kit. Travelers will be served two hot meals on porcelain dishes, with selections from a dedicated menu, as well as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, petit fours and other treats. Business class passengers will have access to the Dan Lounge prior to departure and a lounge at JFK Airport before the return flight, which also includes kosher food options. The cabin is equipped with an onboard multimedia system and USB charging ports for in-flight entertainment and convenience.
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Competition on U.S.–Israel routes is heating up, with United Airlines resuming service to Israel and Delta Airlines expected to return next month. Arkia’s business class fare is currently lower than its competitors. A round-trip ticket in El Al’s business class costs $7,800, according to a review conducted Tuesday morning. A May round-trip business class ticket with Delta starts at $6,325, while United’s business class fare for the same period is $3,710.