BOEING FRONTIERS / JULY 2013 27 Ties that bind From commercial aircraft to defense, Israel has turned to Boeing since the nation was founded By Bill Seil The partnership between Israel and Boeing dates back to the nation’s founding 65 years ago when the Israel Air Force began flying the B-17 Flying Fortress. The inaugural flight of Israel’s flagship airline, El Al Israel Airlines, took place in 1948 when a C-54 transport—manufactured by Boeing heritage company Douglas Aircraft—brought the country’s first president home from Geneva. The C-54, which had been borrowed from the Israeli military, was repainted in civilian livery and served as the starting point for El Al’s fleet. In May 1961, El Al received its first 707 jetliner at Boeing Field in Seattle. The following month, the new El Al jet set a record when it flew from New York to Tel Aviv, the longest nonstop commercial flight of a Boeing 707 at that time. Today, Israel has a modern air force and a successful commercial airline industry. And the country is an important Boeing business partner. Companies in Israel supply Boeing with parts for both its military and commercial programs, including the 787 Dreamliner. “Our partnership with Israel is both important and long-standing,” said Shep Hill, president, Boeing International, and senior vice president, Business Development and Strategy. “We are proud of our relationship with both the Israel Defense Forces and the nation’s airlines. We also have important business partnerships in Israel that support Boeing programs.” Israel, which has a population of less than 8 million people, is a very distinct market with a demand for highly capable PHOTOS: (Left) Israeli children watch a Boeing KC-135 tanker simulate the refueling of Boeing F-15 fighters during an air show in Tel Aviv in April, marking 65 years since the founding of the nation in 1948. The tanker and fighters are operated by the Israel Air Force. Asociated Pres (Above) Jerusalem Old City and Temple Mount at night. shuterstock
Frontiers July 2013 Issue
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