El Al Overview & Company Profile
El Al Israel Airlines is the flag carrier of the State of Israel, founded in 1948 and headquartered on the grounds of Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Lod. The airline took its first flight from Geneva to Tel Aviv just months after Israel declared independence, and has since grown into one of the most recognizable carriers in the Middle East. El Al operates as an independent airline with no global alliance membership, though it maintains codeshare partnerships with several major carriers.
With approximately 600 pilots on its roster and a growing fleet of around 51 aircraft (as of mid-2025), El Al serves roughly 60 destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. The airline operates up to 900 weekly flights from its single hub at Ben Gurion Airport, including up to 55 weekly services to North American cities alone. El Al is majority-owned by businessman Eli Rozenberg (approximately 80%), with the Israeli government retaining a minority stake of around 20%. The airline reported revenues of approximately US $2.5 billion in 2023, and has experienced record-level profitability in recent years, partly driven by its unique position as the only carrier to have maintained continuous service to and from Israel throughout the regional security challenges since October 2023.
El Al holds a distinctive place in global aviation for several reasons: its aircraft are equipped with the Sky Shield anti-missile defence system (installed on its Boeing 737 fleet), it observes Shabbat by grounding operations from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, and its security protocols are widely regarded as among the most rigorous in the industry. For pilots, this means flying for an airline where security awareness is woven into every aspect of daily operations.
Fleet Composition & Type Ratings
El Al proudly operates an all-Boeing fleet, a distinction it has maintained throughout its 76-year history. The fleet is divided between the Boeing 737NG family for short- and medium-haul European routes, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777-200ER for long-haul intercontinental services. In August 2024, the airline finalized its largest aircraft order ever: up to 31 Boeing 737 MAX jets (20 firm orders plus 11 options), with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2032. This decision came after extensive negotiations with both Boeing and Airbus for the A321neo, but Boeing's aggressive pricing and El Al's preference for fleet commonality sealed the deal.
| Aircraft Type | Role | In Service | Routes / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | Narrowbody | ~15 | European and domestic routes. Equipped with Sky Shield anti-missile system. Average age ~19 years. |
| Boeing 737-900ER | Narrowbody | 8 | European medium-haul. Higher capacity (175 seats). Average age ~9 years. |
| Boeing 777-200ER | Widebody | 4 | Long-haul flagship routes to New York, Washington, and other high-demand destinations. Cabin refurbishment ongoing. |
| Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | Widebody | 4 | Long-haul services. Slightly smaller capacity than the 787-9. |
| Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | Widebody | ~16 | Primary long-haul workhorse. New York, London, Paris, Bangkok, Tokyo. 3 more on order for 2025-2026. |
| Boeing 737 MAX (ordered) | Narrowbody | 0 (on order) | 20 firm + 11 options. Deliveries from 2028. Replacing aging 737NGs. |
Fleet data as of mid-2025. Numbers are approximate and change with ongoing deliveries and retirements. Source: El Al financial statements and El Al investor relations.
The wide-body fleet is also growing. El Al ordered additional Boeing 787-9s in early 2024, with a target of operating up to 22 Dreamliners by the late 2020s. The four Boeing 777-200ERs remain in service for the highest-demand long-haul routes, but their long-term future has not been publicly confirmed. Overall, El Al's fleet strategy is clear: modernize the narrowbody fleet with 737 MAX aircraft while expanding widebody capacity through additional 787-9 deliveries.
New pilots joining El Al are typically type-rated on the Boeing 737NG family for initial line flying. Transition to wide-body types (787 or 777) is based on seniority and operational need. The airline covers type rating costs for pilots recruited through its selection process. With the 737 MAX deliveries beginning in 2028, current 737NG-rated pilots should benefit from a relatively straightforward differences training, while new recruits may train directly on the MAX variant.
Pilot Salary & Compensation Breakdown
El Al pilot salaries are governed by a collective agreement negotiated between the airline, the Histadrut labour federation, and the El Al Pilots' Committee. The most recent special collective agreement was signed in July 2022 and is valid until the end of 2025, restoring pilot pay to pre-COVID levels as set out in a 2018 agreement. El Al does not publicly disclose detailed base salary tables by rank and seniority step, but several data points from financial filings and press reports allow us to construct a reasonable picture.
According to court disclosures and financial reporting, the average monthly gross salary for El Al pilots was approximately NIS 95,000 (roughly US $26,000) as of 2020-2022, with senior captains earning up to NIS 160,000 per month (approximately US $44,000). Total pilot salary costs in 2022 were NIS 635 million for around 555 pilots, representing approximately 42% of the airline's total salary expenses, according to data published by Globes financial news.
Estimated Pay Ranges
| Position | Monthly Gross (est.) | Annual Gross (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Officer (narrowbody, entry) | NIS 50,000 - 65,000 | ~NIS 600,000 - 780,000 | Approx. US $14,000 - $18,000/month. Includes base + flight pay. |
| First Officer (widebody, 3-5 yr) | NIS 70,000 - 90,000 | ~NIS 840,000 - 1,080,000 | Approx. US $19,000 - $25,000/month. Long-haul allowances apply. |
| Captain (narrowbody) | NIS 100,000 - 130,000 | ~NIS 1,200,000 - 1,560,000 | Approx. US $27,000 - $36,000/month. Post-upgrade. |
| Captain (widebody, senior) | NIS 130,000 - 160,000 | ~NIS 1,560,000 - 1,920,000 | Approx. US $36,000 - $44,000/month. Top of scale. |
These figures are estimates compiled from publicly available financial filings, court disclosures, and press reports. Actual compensation depends on the collective agreement in effect, individual seniority, aircraft type, and flight hours.
Profit-Sharing Bonus
One of the most significant components of El Al pilot compensation is the profit-sharing mechanism built into the collective agreement. The formula is tiered: pilots receive 2% of pre-tax profits when profit exceeds US $25 million, 4% up to $50 million, 5% up to $100 million, and 6% for profits exceeding $100 million. In 2024, with El Al posting pre-tax profits of approximately US $678 million, each of the airline's ~600 pilots received an average bonus of NIS 247,000 (approximately US $67,600). This single bonus represents a substantial supplement to base pay, according to reporting by the Jerusalem Post.
El Al does not publish detailed pay scales publicly. The salary ranges presented above are estimates based on aggregate data from financial filings, court documents, and Israeli financial press coverage. Actual individual compensation varies significantly based on the current collective agreement terms, seniority step, fleet type, block hours flown, and allowances. The profit-sharing bonus fluctuates annually with company performance. Israeli income tax rates (up to 50% at the highest bracket) and mandatory social contributions further reduce take-home pay. Always verify current terms with the El Al Pilots' Committee or the Histadrut.
Roster Pattern & Quality of Life
El Al operates under the flight time limitations (FTLs) set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), which are broadly aligned with ICAO standards but differ from EASA rules in several respects. Israeli FTL regulations cap daily flight duty at 8 hours and monthly flight time at 120 hours, with quarterly and annual limits of 300 and 1,000 hours respectively. These are among the more restrictive limits globally, particularly the daily cap.
📅 Sample Month: Narrowbody First Officer (TLV)
Long-haul crews (787/777) operate on different patterns with layovers at destination lasting 24 to 48 hours. Augmented crews of 3 to 4 pilots are used on ultra-long-haul sectors such as the 11+ hour flights to North America and Asia. A notable aspect of El Al operations is the Shabbat rest: all flights are grounded from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, giving pilots a guaranteed weekly rest period regardless of roster patterns. This is a unique feature among major international carriers.
All El Al pilots are based at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). There are no secondary bases or base-bidding systems. This means most pilots live in the greater Tel Aviv metropolitan area, which includes cities like Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ramat Gan, and Rishon LeZion. Pilots living further away benefit from company-subsidised shuttle services or a commuting allowance as part of the collective agreement. Israel is a small country (roughly the size of New Jersey), so commuting from cities like Haifa or Jerusalem is feasible but adds significant travel time. The cost of living in the Tel Aviv area is high by global standards, comparable to cities like London or Sydney.
Benefits, Travel Perks & Retirement
El Al offers a comprehensive benefits package that reflects both Israeli labour law requirements and the specific provisions of the pilots' collective agreement. Benefits extend significantly beyond base salary, and the travel perks in particular are among the more generous in the region for a carrier of El Al's size.
Under Israeli law, employers must contribute a minimum of 6.5% and employees 6% of salary toward pension funds, plus an additional 6% employer severance contribution. For El Al pilots, the collective agreement provides for supplementary retirement benefits on top of these statutory minimums. Israeli pension funds are managed by private financial institutions and are regulated by the Ministry of Finance. Unlike the French CRPN system, there is no dedicated aviation-specific pension fund in Israel. Pilots can choose between several approved pension and provident fund providers. The combined statutory + supplementary contributions create a solid retirement package, though it does not reach the levels offered by some European legacy carriers.
Career Progression & Seniority
Career progression at El Al is seniority-based, as is standard for most legacy carriers. However, El Al's relatively compact pilot group of around 600 means that upgrade timelines and fleet transition opportunities can vary significantly depending on growth phases and fleet deliveries. The airline does accept direct-entry Captains in rare cases for highly experienced pilots from other carriers, though the overwhelming majority of Captains come through the internal upgrade process.
A unique feature of El Al's pilot workforce is the significant proportion of pilots with Israeli Air Force (IAF) backgrounds. Approximately 90% of El Al pilots historically came through the military pipeline, completing their mandatory service (typically 8+ years as a military pilot) before transitioning to civilian aviation. While the airline has expanded its civilian hiring in recent years through cadet-style programmes, the IAF pipeline remains the primary source of talent.
| Career Milestone | Typical Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IAF military service | 8+ years | Primary pilot pipeline. Pilots accumulate substantial flight hours before joining El Al. |
| Civilian cadet programme | ~24 months | Available since ~2018. Florida-based training (Aviator College). ~US $65,000 programme cost. No guaranteed El Al placement. |
| Join as First Officer (737) | Day 1 post-training | Most common entry fleet. Type rating covered by El Al for selected candidates. |
| Widebody F/O transition (787/777) | 3-5 years | Seniority-based. Requires type rating course. |
| Captain upgrade (narrowbody) | ~5-7 years | Command assessment: interview + simulator check. Minimum ~2,000-3,000 hours required. |
| Captain (widebody) | 8-12+ years | 777 or 787 command. Top of the seniority list. |
| Training Captain / Examiner | 10+ years as Captain | Requires separate selection. Additional instructor allowance. |
El Al is experiencing a period of significant growth. The airline expanded its route network to approximately 60 destinations in 2025, announced its largest-ever fleet order (31 737 MAX aircraft), and continues to add 787-9 deliveries. This expansion should create meaningful opportunities for both new hires and existing pilots seeking fleet transitions or Captain upgrades. The relatively fast upgrade timeline of 5-7 years (compared to 10-15 years at many European legacy carriers) is one of El Al's most attractive features for career-focused pilots. However, the security situation in the region and geopolitical factors can create operational uncertainty and affect growth projections.
Recruitment Process & Requirements
El Al recruits pilots through two primary pathways: the military pipeline (Israeli Air Force veterans) and the civilian professional pilot stream. The airline also launched a civilian cadet-style training programme around 2018, though this represents a minority of hires. The selection process places heavy emphasis on security clearance, Hebrew language proficiency, and alignment with El Al's unique operational culture.
Professional Pilot Requirements
Civilian Cadet Programme
El Al's civilian pilot training programme, launched around 2018 in partnership with Aviator College in Florida, targets Israeli citizens aged 21 and above with no prior flight experience. The programme provides approximately 1,000 flight hours over 24 months at a cost of roughly US $65,000 to the candidate, leading to a commercial pilot licence suitable for Israeli airlines. However, El Al does not guarantee placement upon completion. Approximately 10% of El Al's current pilot workforce entered through the civilian route.
Selection Stages
Online Application & Screening
Candidates submit their application through El Al's careers portal. Initial screening covers licence validity, nationality, flight hours, and basic eligibility criteria. Security pre-screening begins at this stage.
Psychometric & Technical Assessments
Computer-based tests assessing cognitive ability, numerical reasoning, spatial awareness, multitasking, and adaptability. These tests are common across Israeli aviation recruitment and are similar in scope to European-style PSY assessments.
Simulator Assessment
Practical evaluation in a flight simulator, testing basic handling skills, instrument flying proficiency, crew resource management (CRM), and workload management under pressure.
Interview Panel
Structured interview with senior management and training personnel. Focuses on CRM competencies, cultural fit, leadership potential, stress management, and motivation. Conducted partly in Hebrew.
Security Clearance, Medical & Licence Verification
Comprehensive security background check (one of the most thorough in the industry). Class 1 medical examination. Licence and qualification verification. Successful candidates receive a type rating assignment and enter line training.
Foreign pilots holding FAA or EASA licences cannot directly use them to fly for El Al. Under Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI) regulations, all foreign licences must be converted to an Israeli licence by passing all 7 Israeli theoretical exams and a practical checkride independently. This is a significant barrier for non-Israeli pilots considering El Al. The process can take several months and requires familiarity with Israeli-specific aviation regulations.
Top 5 Layover Destinations
El Al's long-haul network has expanded significantly in recent years, with new routes to Asia and increased frequencies to North America. Layovers on intercontinental services typically last 24 to 48 hours, with augmented crews used on the longest sectors. As a single-hub carrier operating exclusively from Tel Aviv, all layovers are outstation, and hotel accommodations are contracted by the airline.
All crew hotels are contracted centrally by El Al. Pilots do not choose their own accommodation. Transportation between the hotel and airport is provided. Under CAAI flight time limitations, pilots must receive adequate rest between duty periods. Long-haul flights exceeding 8 hours of flight time require augmented crews (3-4 pilots) to allow in-flight rest. Layover destination assignments follow the roster bid system, with more senior pilots getting first pick of the most popular long-haul routes. El Al is also expanding its Asian network, with new routes to Hanoi (October 2026), Seoul (March 2027), and Manila planned.
How El Al Compares: Airline Radar Chart
How does El Al stack up against two major carriers in its broader region: Turkish Airlines (a large network carrier based in Istanbul) and Emirates (the Dubai-based super-connector)? Below is our comparative analysis across five key metrics. Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available data, pilot feedback, and industry benchmarks.
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
Emirates leads on raw salary. Emirates First Officers earn approximately US $8,200 per month in basic salary, plus housing, transport, and flying pay, bringing total packages to US $100,000-$130,000 for F/Os. Captains can reach US $18,000-$20,000 monthly. El Al's base salary is competitive when the profit-sharing bonus is factored in (adding ~$67,000 in a strong year like 2024), but this component is variable. Turkish Airlines pays F/Os approximately US $7,000-$11,000 and Captains US $14,500-$16,500 monthly.
El Al excels on benefits and the profit-sharing model. The 6% profit-share mechanism, free travel tickets, and comprehensive Israeli social protections give El Al a strong edge in overall compensation. The guaranteed Shabbat rest and Israeli labour law protections also contribute to a distinctive quality-of-life advantage that neither Emirates nor Turkish can easily match.
Fleet diversity favours Turkish and Emirates. Turkish Airlines operates roughly 400 aircraft across a wide range of Airbus and Boeing types, while Emirates fields over 250 wide-bodies (A380s and 777s, with 777-9s on order). El Al's all-Boeing fleet of ~51 aircraft is much smaller, though it is modern and being actively renewed.
Career progression is faster at El Al. With a smaller pilot group and active growth, El Al's estimated 5-7 year upgrade timeline to Captain is notably faster than typical timelines at Emirates (8-12 years) or Turkish Airlines. This is one of El Al's most compelling selling points for ambitious pilots.
Scores are editorial estimates based on publicly available salary data, financial filings, press reports, pilot forum discussions, and industry benchmarks. They represent a general assessment for an experienced pilot considering a long-term career. Individual experiences will vary based on seniority, fleet assignment, and personal priorities. The regional security situation is not directly scored but is an important factor for any pilot considering El Al.
Union & Industrial Relations
Pilot labour relations at El Al are managed through a tripartite structure involving the airline management, the Histadrut (Israel's General Federation of Workers), and the El Al Pilots' Committee. Unlike in many Western countries where pilots have a standalone professional union, El Al pilots are represented within the broader Histadrut framework, specifically through the Transportation Workers' Union led by Avi Edri. The pilots' committee operates as a sub-unit within this structure.
This arrangement has been a point of contention. El Al pilots have previously sought to establish an independent professional union separate from the general workers' federation, but a labour court decision upheld the single-bargaining-unit structure, ruling that fragmenting the workforce into separate unions had previously harmed the company's stability.
Union Structure
Recent Collective Agreements & Disputes
The current collective agreement (valid through end 2025) has created a period of relative industrial stability at El Al. The record profit-sharing payouts in 2024 have significantly improved pilot satisfaction. However, the agreement's expiration in 2025 means a new round of negotiations is imminent, and the outcome will depend on El Al's continued financial performance. For new recruits, the Histadrut representation structure means that pilot-specific interests are negotiated within a broader workers' framework, which some pilots view as diluting their bargaining power compared to standalone pilot unions in other countries.
Verdict: Who Is El Al For?
🎯 Our Take
El Al is a unique proposition in the airline pilot world. It offers a combination of strong total compensation (particularly in profitable years thanks to the 6% profit-share mechanism), relatively fast career progression (5-7 years to Captain), a modern and growing all-Boeing fleet, and the prestige of flying for Israel's national carrier. The airline's expanding route network into Asia and North America is creating genuine opportunities for pilots at all career stages.
The trade-offs are significant and should be carefully weighed. The requirement for Israeli citizenship or residency, fluent Hebrew, and either IAF background or converted Israeli licences makes El Al accessible almost exclusively to Israeli pilots. The regional security situation introduces operational uncertainty that few other airlines face. The cost of living in Tel Aviv is high, Israeli tax rates reduce take-home pay substantially, and the profit-sharing bonus, while potentially very large, is inherently variable. The single-hub structure at Ben Gurion Airport means no base flexibility.
For Israeli pilots with the right qualifications, El Al represents one of the most rewarding career paths available in the region, combining competitive pay, fleet modernization, and the deep sense of purpose that comes with flying Israel's flag carrier.
1 Can non-Israeli citizens fly for El Al?
In practice, El Al hires almost exclusively Israeli citizens or permanent residents. Foreign pilots face major barriers: the requirement for fluent Hebrew, the need to convert foreign licences through Israeli exams (7 written tests plus a checkride), and stringent security clearance requirements. While there is no absolute legal prohibition, the practical hurdles make non-Israeli hiring extremely rare.
2 Do I need military flying experience to join El Al?
No, but it helps enormously. Approximately 90% of El Al pilots historically came through the Israeli Air Force pipeline. However, the airline launched a civilian cadet programme around 2018 and does accept professional pilots with civilian backgrounds who hold the required Israeli licences and flight hours (minimum ~1,000 PIC hours). The civilian pathway is competitive but growing.
3 How much do El Al pilots really earn?
El Al does not publish detailed salary tables. Based on financial filings and press reports, average monthly gross pay was approximately NIS 95,000 (~US $26,000) as of 2020-2022, with senior captains reaching NIS 160,000 (~US $44,000). In 2024, each pilot also received a profit-sharing bonus averaging NIS 247,000 (~US $67,600). Total compensation for a mid-career pilot in a strong year can exceed US $350,000-$400,000 before tax.
4 What is the upgrade time to Captain at El Al?
The typical upgrade timeline from First Officer to Captain at El Al is estimated at approximately 5-7 years. This is notably faster than many European legacy carriers (where 10-15 years is common) and reflects El Al's smaller pilot group and growth trajectory. However, the timeline depends on fleet expansion, retirement rates, and operational needs. The upgrade process includes a command assessment with an interview and simulator check.
5 Does El Al fly on Shabbat?
No. El Al is the only major international carrier that grounds all operations from Friday afternoon (approximately 2-3 hours before sunset) through Saturday evening (after sunset). This observance of Shabbat is a longstanding policy and effectively gives all pilots a guaranteed weekly rest period. It also reduces the airline's available operating hours compared to competitors, which factors into roster planning and fleet utilisation.
6 Are El Al aircraft really equipped with anti-missile systems?
Yes. El Al's Boeing 737 fleet is equipped with the Sky Shield (Flight Guard) system, an infrared countermeasure designed to protect against shoulder-launched missiles (MANPADS). This system was developed by Israel's Elbit Systems. The 787 Dreamliner fleet reportedly does not carry the system due to Boeing's high asking price for the installation option. El Al is the only commercial airline in the world known to operate aircraft with active anti-missile defence systems.
7 How does the profit-sharing bonus work?
The collective agreement includes a tiered profit-sharing mechanism: pilots receive 2% of pre-tax profits when El Al's profit exceeds US $25 million, scaling to 4% (up to $50M), 5% (up to $100M), and 6% (above $100M). In a record year like 2024, this translated to approximately NIS 247,000 per pilot. The bonus is distributed equally among all pilots regardless of rank. In years of low or negative profitability, the bonus may be minimal or zero.
8 What is the security situation's impact on El Al pilot life?
El Al operates in one of the most security-sensitive environments in commercial aviation. Pilots undergo extensive security training and clearance. Since October 2023, El Al has been the only airline to maintain continuous service to Israel while most international carriers suspended or reduced operations. This has boosted the airline's financial performance but also increased workload and operational pressure. The security dimension is a defining feature of the El Al pilot experience, adding both professional purpose and unique operational challenges.
Official Links & Resources
Before applying or making any career decisions, always verify information directly with official sources. These are the key websites and organisations relevant to El Al pilot careers:
Bookmark the El Al Investor Relations page (ir.elal.com) for quarterly financial reports that include fleet data, pilot headcount, and salary cost breakdowns. The annual ESG reports published there also contain detailed employee benefits information. For the latest on collective agreement negotiations, follow coverage in Globes and the Times of Israel business sections.
