El Al to test Melbourne route but complexity beckons

El Al is to test a service to the Australian city of Melbourne using Boeing 787s. The airline says the trial flights will commence "in a few months", but it has not elaborated on the plans. El Al disclosed its intention as it unveiled third-quarter financial results. The distance to Melbourne from its Tel Aviv base is some 7,400nm but this great-circle route is unlikely to be available to the Israeli operator as it would pass through Saudi Arabian airspace. El Al is not permitted to cross Saudi Arabia, a restriction highlighted last year after Air India started operating Tel Aviv services without such a limitation. Its operation to Mumbai follows a route south along the Red Sea which would add a further 400-500nm to the Melbourne sector. Boeing puts the 787-9's range at 7,530nm. The Israeli carrier has a fleet of 12 Boeing 787-9s and is preparing to receive the first of four 787-8s. It has not indicated the likely route for the Melbourne service, nor whether the aircraft might need to be payload-limited.<br/>