In early 2022, EL AL introduced that it could reconfigure its Boeing 777s with new cabins. Whereas the preliminary plan was for the primary aircraft to be reconfigured by the summer time of 2022, that timeline didn’t stick. Nonetheless, there’s an thrilling replace, as the primary 777 with new cabins needs to be flying quickly.
EL AL’s Boeing 777s getting direct aisle entry enterprise class
EL AL has been within the means of refreshing its lengthy haul fleet, because the provider has taken supply of 15 Boeing 787s, that includes a a lot improved passenger expertise. The Israeli flag provider has retired its Boeing 747s, although the airline does nonetheless have six Boeing 777-200ERs, that includes slightly previous cabins.
That may quickly be altering, as EL AL can be putting in a brand new enterprise class product on Boeing 777s. EL AL’s new Boeing 777 enterprise class can be in a 1-2-1 configuration, so it’ll be absolutely flat and have direct aisle entry. This needs to be the identical product that you simply’ll discover on EL AL’s Boeing 787s.
As reported by DansDeals, EL AL’s first reconfigured Boeing 777 is predicted to enter service as of August 1, 2023, initially flying from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Bangkok (BKK) and Paris (CDG). So we’re simply weeks away from this aircraft getting into service.
As a degree of comparability, EL AL’s Boeing 777-200ERs at present function a enterprise class product in a 2-3-2 configuration, with angled seats. The brand new product ought to signify an enormous improve.
EL AL’s Boeing 777s lose top quality, acquire premium economic system
EL AL’s Boeing 777s aren’t simply getting a brand new enterprise class, however different adjustments are coming as effectively. With this transfer, EL AL can be eliminating its top quality, which is at present solely discovered on 777s. The primary class cabin is historical, because it’s in a 2-2-2 configuration, with a complete of six seats.
Once I flew EL AL’s 777 top quality from Tel Aviv to London, I actually loved the expertise, regardless of the outdated cabin. It was type of a cute throwback to a unique period. Understandably there’s no level in conserving round such an inferior laborious product, particularly with the airline not having top quality on the 787s.
On the plus aspect, EL AL’s Boeing 777s will get premium economic system, which they don’t at present have. This product needs to be much like what you’ll discover on the Boeing 787s.
How will the Boeing 777’s capability change when reconfigured?
- EL AL’s present Boeing 777s have 279 seats, together with six top quality seats, 35 enterprise class seats, 34 further legroom economic system seats, and 204 customary economic system seats
- EL AL’s reconfigured Boeing 777s could have 313 seats, together with 28 enterprise class seats, 32 premium economic system seats, 63 further legroom economic system seats, and 190 customary economic system seats
In order you’ll be able to see, the 777 can be getting a big discount in first and enterprise class capability, however we’ll see the introduction of premium economic system, plus much more further legroom economic system seats. Nonetheless, for these in customary economic system, EL AL will go from a 3-3-3 configuration to a 3-4-3 configuration, which is disappointing however not stunning.
Backside line
EL AL’s Boeing 777s are lastly getting a refresh, bringing them extra consistent with the provider’s Boeing 787s. With this, you’ll be able to anticipate new enterprise class and economic system class seats, and a premium economic system cabin. Nonetheless, we are going to see top quality be eradicated, and we’ll additionally see the economic system cabin get tighter.
The primary plane needs to be flying as of August 1, 2023. Now the large query is with what timeline different 777s can be reconfigured.
What do you make of EL AL reconfiguring 777s?
