Four-engine ban in Israel: IATA doesn’t expect measure to be replicated

Last week the industry was shocked to learn that as of 1 March 2023 the Israeli government will ban four-engine aircraft from operating at Tel Aviv airport on the grounds of mitigating noise pollution.

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This would put an end to the presence of iconic aircraft such as the 747, A380 or A340, which although they do not currently operate scheduled passenger flights to Israel, can do so, mainly in the case of the Jumbo, as freighters.

Asked by the media about this during a conference call this morning, Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said he was very surprised by the move, which will be disruptive, particularly for the air cargo industry. «There are a lot of 747 freighters out there, and so many of them have served Israel,» he said.

Still, the executive was calm, saying, «I don’t think this is going to be replicated by other countries, who will take a more detailed view and an analysis of the likely disruption to their markets.»

«I don’t fully understand the logic being used to introduce this ban, and I think is going to represent some disruption for Israel in terms of cargo supply to the market particularly in an environment where cargo demand continues to be strong and supply generally has been disruptive because of the impact on the passenger», he added.

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But Walsh concluded by insisting that he does not expect the measure will have a contagion effect and to be replicated in other markets.

Play to hear Willie Walsh comments on this subject during the conference: