Israel's El Al in talks to buy Airbus jets in potentially historic shift

El Al Israel Airlines is in "serious" talks with planemaker Airbus to buy as many as 30 A321neo jets, El Al's CEO said on Thursday, in what would be an historic change of supplier as it looks to replace its short-haul fleet. Israel's flag carrier is also in talks with traditional supplier Boeing to buy 737 MAX aircraft, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference after El Al issued quarterly results and as it celebrated 20 years of being traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange after privatisation. A decision likely would be made early in 2024, Ben Tal Ganancia said. At list prices the investment would be near $4b but El Al would likely pay far less after discounts. Since its inception in 1948, El Al has maintained an all-Boeing fleet, owing to Israel's close ties with chief ally the United States, so a break would be a significant policy change. "It is serious," Ben Tal Ganancia said of the talks with Europe's Airbus. "We're negotiating with both suppliers. They are coming back and forth to Israel to show us their business cases and we are examining them." It is normal for airlines to seek quotes from both major planemakers and the change of supplier is not guaranteed. Boeing is certain to try to defend its longstanding position at the carrier. But the A321neo, with more seats and longer range, has been steadily winning market share in the lucrative top end of the single aisle market.<br/>