Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., December 21, 2007 Tevet 12, 5768 | | Israel Time: 03:33 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File Hanukkah

del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 18:09 20/12/2007 Transportation Min. proposal could reduce prices on Israeli airlines By Zohar Blumenkrantz, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Mofaz, El Al, Aviation  Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz submitted a proposal Thursday that would see the state fund 80 percent of Israeli airlines' security costs, in exchange for which other Israeli carriers would be allowed to compete with El Al on all scheduled routes. The proposal, which will be submitted to the cabinet for its approval next month, marks a dramatic step towards opening Israeli skies to competition. If approved, the initiative would lower airlines' high security expenditure, which would likely reduce ticket prices by close to $50 per ticket. Advertisement "This is a true revolution," Mofaz said, adding that if approved the proposal would "benefit the traveler, first and foremost, and would also improve the tourism industry and the Israeli economy." The transportation minister said he was "determined" to see the proposal through. The state currently funds about 50 percent of Israeli airlines' $100 million security expenses. The new ruling would see state funding increased to approximately 80 percent in exchange for opening scheduled flights to competing airlines, such as Israir and Arkia. El Al welcomed the initiative but said "80 percent coverage still does not solve the problem." The company called on the state to fully cover security costs, saying this would "allow [Israeli airlines] to compete [with foreign carriers] on equal terms." Higher costs of travel on Israeli carriers are generally attributed to the extra security measures those companies employ. Avi Nakash, one of Arkia's owners, praised Mofaz's proposal, saying the airline "has waited a long time for such a decision." Bookmark to del.icio.us Blast from the past The donkey is making a comeback as the prevalent form of transportation in Gaza. U.S. anti-Semitism The ZOA condemns the U.S. government for failing to protect Jewish students.   1.   Ben Alofs,GB should force the E.Europe to pay compensation to Ger 20:58  |  Absolute Sweden 20/12/07   2.   high costs of flight tickets 23:45  |  Robert 20/12/07   3.   high costs of flight tickets 23:45  |  Robert 20/12/07   4.   Absolute Sweden - What do your comments have to do with this 00:35  |  mk 21/12/07

Today Online Experts: Far right will up violence in future settlement evacuation Responses: 174 Israeli Arab group seeks 'supranational regime in historic Palestine' Responses: 279 Harel: Palestinians live in squalid refugee camps by choice Responses: 167 IDF soldier seriously hurt, seven militants killed in Gaza raid Responses: 198 American Zionist group slams U.S. gov't on campus anti-Semitism Responses: 207 Rosner's Domain Rosner's Guest: deNazify the Palestinian culture New poll: A cease-fire with Hamas - good or bad idea? Jews to the rescue in Chad (What to Read) Rabin's long memory and the U.S. NIE report on Iran More Headlines 23:43 PMO denies Israel holding talks with Hamas on Gaza truce 03:10 Attempt to exchange messages between Israel, Syria fails 02:02 ANALYSIS: Is a truce between Israel and Hamas possible? 03:20 Outgoing senior FM official calls for military pact with Washington 01:23 Report reveals new details on Gibson's anti-Semitic comments 21:54 IDF soldier seriously hurt, seven militants killed in Gaza raid 19:48 Israel sets up express passage into Bethlehem for pilgrims 19:38 Bush: My patience with Syria's Assad 'ran out a long time ago' 20:55 IDF officer charged with causing death by negligence in car accident 02:49 State drops case against Supreme Court president's husband Previous Editions Select Day 20 dec 19 dec 18 dec 17 dec 16 dec 14 dec 13 dec 12 dec 11 dec 10 dec 09 dec 07 dec

Special Offers Advertisement Inbal Jerusalem Hotel Unbeatable rates at the Finest hotel in Jerusalem Invest in Macedonia New Business Heaven in Europe Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt. Holiday Inn and Crown Plaza Israel Lowest internet rate Guaranteed at ichotelsgroup.com !

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved