El Al's maiden flight to Japan, March 1, 2023 (Photo: El Al spokespeople)
Direct to Japan from Israel: After months of anticipation, the first ever El Al flight to Tokyo took off this evening (Wednesday).
Flight LY091 was inaugurated this evening in a festive ceremony in El Al's "King David" lounge in the presence of the Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, the Japanese Ambassador to Israel, Mizushima Koichi, the director of the National Aviation Administration, Udi Bar Oz, and the CEO of El Al, Dina Ben Tal Ganassia.
The flight that took off this evening includes about 230 passengers and crew members and will last about 11.5 hours.
The launch of the line to Tokyo foreshadows Israel's connection to Japanese culture, and allows the Japanese people to be exposed to and get to know Israeli culture.
A cake and also the line to Japan are being inaugurated, this evening (photo: Dovrot El Al)
Ambassador of Japan to Israel, Mizushima Koichi, Minister of Tourism Haim Katz and CEO of El Al Dina Ben Tal Denancia (Photo: El Al Spokesperson)
The Japanese ambassador wished in Hebrew: "Congratulations and good luck"
Tourism Minister Haim Katz said at the ceremony: "Japan is an important country for Israel. We have a long-standing friendship. The opening of direct flights is another important milestone in relations between Israel and Japan. Tourism is a significant source of income for the economy and direct flights are the key to increasing tourism and economic ties between the countries. Therefore, I hope that El Al's flights will be full and will increase the number of tourists in both directions and strengthen economic relations."
Japan's ambassador to Israel, Mizushima Koichi: "It is an honor for me to be here. First, I express my condolences to the families of the victims of the Hawara attack, Japan condemns all terrorism and hopes that the government will be able to reach agreements that will calm the spirits. I am happy to witness the history that is happening today, and after a quarter of a century's wait Since the agreement between the countries was signed, despite the many challenges, El Al is making the dream come true and I congratulate all concerned on this achievement. Japan has a history of tradition and culture and many and varied tourist sites. I hope that the flights will open up a world of pleasures, I promise that Japan will not disappoint you and invite you to discover the Japan on your own."
At the end of his speech, the ambassador wished congratulations and success in Hebrew.
"I am happy to witness history happening today."
Ambassador of Japan and CEO of El Al, this evening (Photo: El Al Spokesperson)
The CEO of El Al, Dina Ben Tal Gnansia, said: "At the beginning of the week, we made history when an El Al plane with the Israeli flag on its tail flew over Oman and shortened the route to the east, and today we are sending the first El Al flight to Tokyo.
This is a historic day.
Three years ago everything was already ready for flight, and we had to cancel together with all the flights after the aviation world went into silence.
To be here today, three years later and launch the flight to Tokyo - is a victory.
We are proud to be here and happy that new opportunities have opened up for us with the permission to fly over Oman.
invites everyone to enjoy the beauty of Japan and encourages the tourists from Japan to come here and experience all the beauty that Israel has to offer.
We will continue to work to connect Israel to the rest of the world and open more destinations to the Israeli audience."
Director of the National Security Agency Udi Bar Oz: "They say it's better late than never.
A flight scheduled to take off in March 2020 takes off today.
El Al will fly from the Arab twice a week to Tokyo and allow Israelis to reach Japan.
The demand for flights is in the sky and I welcome the achievement.
We at NTB will continue to provide answers and support for all goals."
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