Arkia

Arkia Israeli Airlines Ltd, known simply as Arkia, is an Israeli airline that has been serving the aviation industry since its establishment. With its legal incorporation as Arkia Israeli Airlines Ltd, the company has positioned itself as a prominent player in the Israeli aviation landscape. The airline's headquarters is situated on the premises of Sde Dov Airport, an airport located in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Arkia has earned its reputation as the second-largest airline in Israel, offering a range of services including scheduled domestic and international flights, as well as charter flights to a variety of destinations across Western Europe and throughout the Mediterranean region. This broad range of services has made Arkia a popular choice for travellers seeking convenient and reliable air travel options.

The airline's primary base of operations is located at Ben Gurion Airport, which serves as Israel's main international airport. In addition to Ben Gurion Airport, Arkia has established a strategic hub at Ramon Airport, further expanding its network and facilitating increased connectivity for its passengers.

Arkia takes pride in its commitment to providing exceptional service and ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of its passengers. With a dedicated and highly trained staff, the airline strives to deliver a seamless travel experience, adhering to stringent safety standards and maintaining a focus on customer-centric services.

As an integral part of the Israeli aviation industry, Arkia contributes to the country's connectivity and plays a vital role in connecting Israeli travellers to both domestic and international destinations. With a diverse fleet of modern aircraft and a strong focus on efficiency and reliability, Arkia continues to be a preferred choice for individuals and businesses seeking air travel options within and beyond the borders of Israel.

Arkia, originally known as Israel Inland Airlines, was founded in 1949 to meet the growing demand for a local airline connecting Tel Aviv with various regions of the newly established state of Israel. The airline's primary focus was on providing air travel between Tel Aviv and Eilat, a crucial seaport located on the Gulf of Aqaba. Initially, the airline operated De Havilland DH.89 aircraft, followed by Douglas DC-3s, to connect major towns within Israel.

During the 1950s, Arkia expanded its operations and upgraded its fleet to the larger DC-3 aircraft. The airline operated two daily flights on the Tel Aviv-Eilat route, catering to a growing number of passengers. As Eilat continued to develop in the 1960s, Arkia introduced the Handley Page Dart Herald 200 turboprop aircraft to its fleet, enabling the expansion of routes to destinations such as Jerusalem and Sharm-el-Sheikh.

In 1980, Kanaf Arkia acquired the remaining stock of Arkia and merged the two operators. This marked a period of significant growth for the airline, as it entered the international charter market and expanded its airline maintenance services.

Ownership of Arkia currently rests with Kanaf-Arkia Airlines (70%) and airline employees (30%). In 2006, the Nakash brothers of Jordache Enterprises acquired Knafaim's 70% share.

In 2007, Arkia obtained a scheduled operator's license from the Israeli Tourism Ministry for flights to Dublin and Larnaca, filling the void left by EL AL. The airline expressed intentions to apply for scheduled carrier status on routes to New York City and Bangkok, which were previously operated as charter flights.

As the airline market opened up in Israel, Arkia pursued additional scheduled carrier status for routes to Barcelona, Berlin, Moscow, and Paris. The license for Paris was granted in February 2008, and Arkia announced plans to introduce both economy and business class on this route. The airline also made future fleet expansion plans, including the addition of two Boeing 737 aircraft within two years and four Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft that were scheduled for delivery in 2012. However, the order for the Dreamliners was later replaced with an order for four A330neo aircraft from a leasing subsidiary owned by MG Aviation and leased to Norwegian Air Shuttle.

In November 2018, Arkia became the launch customer for the Airbus A321LR when it received its first aircraft of this type, marking another milestone in the airline's history.

Arkia's mission is to provide safe, reliable, and high-quality air travel services to passengers, connecting them to various destinations in Israel and beyond. The airline aims to create a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for its customers while upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Central to Arkia's mission is its commitment to customer satisfaction. The airline strives to exceed passengers' expectations by delivering exceptional service, personalized attention, and comfortable travel accommodations. Arkia understands the importance of punctuality and reliability in air travel, and it works diligently to ensure that flights depart and arrive on time, minimizing disruptions for passengers.

As an ambassador of Israeli aviation, Arkia takes pride in showcasing the country's beauty, culture, and hospitality to both domestic and international travellers. The airline plays a vital role in promoting tourism and fostering economic growth by connecting various regions of Israel and facilitating travel between Israel and other countries.

Arkia recognizes the significance of safety in the aviation industry and places it as a top priority. The airline adheres to rigorous safety protocols and maintains a well-trained and experienced crew. By implementing the latest technology and adhering to international safety standards, Arkia ensures that passengers can have peace of mind throughout their journey.

Environmental responsibility is another aspect of Arkia's mission. The airline is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint and actively seeks innovative ways to reduce its environmental impact. This includes initiatives such as fuel efficiency measures, waste reduction programs, and adopting eco-friendly practices across its operations.

Furthermore, Arkia actively engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting social causes and contributing to the communities it serves. The airline seeks to make a positive difference through partnerships, charitable efforts, and initiatives that promote education, health, and sustainable development.

Arkia's vision is to be a leading airline recognized for its excellence in service, innovation, and sustainability. The airline aspires to set new industry standards and be at the forefront of advancements in the aviation sector while remaining true to its core values.

Customer satisfaction lies at the heart of Arkia's vision. The airline strives to exceed the expectations of its passengers by providing exceptional experiences that are marked by comfort, convenience, and personalized attention. Arkia aims to be the preferred choice for travellers, ensuring that every journey is seamless, enjoyable, and leaves a lasting positive impression.

As a forward-thinking airline, Arkia envisions embracing technological advancements and industry trends to enhance its operations and services. The airline seeks to leverage innovative solutions, such as digital platforms, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence, to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and deliver an enhanced travel experience for its customers.

Arkia also envisions being a leader in sustainability within the aviation industry. The airline is committed to minimizing its environmental impact by implementing eco-friendly practices, investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, and exploring alternative energy sources. Arkia aims to be a role model for sustainable aviation, contributing to global efforts in mitigating climate change and preserving the environment for future generations.

Furthermore, Arkia's vision includes expanding its network and connectivity, enabling passengers to access a wider range of domestic and international destinations. The airline seeks strategic partnerships and collaborations to strengthen its route network, providing travellers with greater flexibility and options for their travel needs.

In terms of organizational culture, Arkia envisions fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that values its employees, recognises their contributions and promotes their professional growth. The airline aims to attract and retain top talent, cultivating a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about aviation and committed to delivering excellence.

Arkia offers a range of products and services designed to meet the diverse travel needs of its customers. The airline focuses on providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, combining convenience, comfort, and personalized attention.

Arkia operates scheduled domestic flights within Israel, connecting major cities and regions. The airline also offers international flights to various destinations, including popular tourist spots in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Passengers can choose from a wide selection of routes, allowing them to explore different cultures and enjoy leisure or business travel experiences.

In addition to scheduled flights, Arkia specializes in charter services, catering to groups, organizations, and private clients. Charter flights offer flexibility in terms of destinations and timings, allowing customers to tailor their travel arrangements according to their specific requirements. Arkia's charter services are ideal for corporate events, group travel, incentive trips, and special occasions.

Moreover, Arkia provides reliable and efficient cargo services, facilitating the transportation of goods and packages. The airline offers cargo solutions for both domestic and international shipments, ensuring timely delivery and secure handling of consignments. With a well-established network and cargo infrastructure, Arkia assists businesses in meeting their logistics needs effectively.

Also, Arkia offers a comfortable and relaxing travel experience with its premium cabin and economy class options. Passengers can enjoy spacious seating, onboard entertainment, and a variety of in-flight services. The premium cabin provides an elevated level of luxury, featuring enhanced amenities and personalized attention, while economy class offers a cost-effective option without compromising on comfort and quality.

Furthermore, Arkia understands the importance of culinary experiences during travel. The airline offers in-flight dining options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Passengers can enjoy a selection of meals, snacks, and beverages served by attentive cabin crew members. Additionally, Arkia provides a range of services onboard, including duty-free shopping, Wi-Fi connectivity, and entertainment options to enhance the overall travel experience.

Lastly, Arkia operates a loyalty program to reward its frequent flyers. The program offers various benefits, including priority services, exclusive privileges, and the opportunity to earn and redeem points for future travel. The loyalty program aims to enhance customer loyalty and provide added value to regular travellers.