Israel Expands Global Logistics Reach with New US Cargo Aviation Treaty

In the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Transport Miri Regev, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, an amending protocol to the 2010 aviation agreement between the two countries was signed yesterday (Tuesday). The amendment regulates a significant expansion of aviation rights in the field of cargo flights and is expected to strengthen Israel's status as a regional center for trade and air logistics.

At the center of the amendment is the granting of "Seventh Freedom" rights in the cargo sector – an advanced aviation right that allows companies to transport goods between a foreign country and a third country, without the flight needing to originate from or pass through the home country.

Practical significance: Until today, an Israeli cargo aircraft was required to take off from or land in Israel as part of the cargo route. From today, Israeli companies (such as El Al or Challenge) will be able to operate direct cargo lines, for example between Europe and the United States, without the aircraft being required to pass through Ben Gurion Airport. The move removes historical barriers and is expected to increase the competitiveness of Israeli companies in the international arena. It should be emphasized that the arrangement applies to cargo flights only and does not include passenger flights.

Achievement for Arkia: Extension of Operations in the USA

As part of the negotiations, a significant achievement was also reached for Arkia: The US approved the continuation of its operations in North America using the "Wet Lease" method – operating an aircraft and crew of one company for another company – for an additional year, until April 2027.

Oz Berlowitz, CEO of Arkia, stated: "The approval will allow us to continue operating routes to North America together with our aviation partners using wide-body aircraft, and gives us the time needed for organization and the continuation of the process of equipping ourselves with wide-body aircraft under Arkia's operation, a process that is taking place at this very moment." Berlowitz personally thanked Minister Regev, the Director General of the Ministry of Transport, and the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for their support.

Minister Regev: "Changing the Rules of the Game"

Minister of Transport, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Miri Regev: "The State of Israel and the United States maintain a deep strategic alliance. The protocol we signed today changes the rules of the game in the air cargo market and removes barriers that have limited Israeli activity for years. This is a move that will ensure supply continuity for the State of Israel even during challenging periods."

Director General of the Ministry of Transport, Moshe Ben-Zaken, added: "The amendment reflects a policy of opening the skies in the cargo sector as well. This is a strategic move that will allow Israeli companies to operate with greater flexibility in international markets."

The signing ceremony was also attended by the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Shmuel Zakai, the Economic Counselor of the US Embassy Johan Schmonsees, and Embassy Spokesperson Christian James.

Key Points of the New Aviation Agreement: