From April 2006 Air Madrid to begin flights to Israel

A spokesman for the Israeli Ministry of Tourism said last week that starting in April 2006, Air Madrid will begin flying to Israel from Latin America, via Spain.
 
In a separate statement Low fare airline Air Madrid said it will offer charter service linking cities in South America to Israel via its hub in Spain. The announcement follows discussions with Israel`s Ministry of Tourism and means an additional 25,000 available seats on flights between South America and Israel.
 
Air Madrid said that it would begin its Israeli service by operating charter flights and if it is successful in obtaining permission from the Israel Airports Authority, it will operate scheduled flights to Israel.
 
Air Madrid transports approximately one million passengers annually between gateways in South America and Spain. Recently, the airline has expanded into other European countries.
The airline`s decision to fly to Israel follows Israeli Tourism Ministry efforts to boost airline competition and lower airfares to Israel.
 
Ministry Director General Eli Cohen said, "Air Madrid`s entry into the Israeli market will stimulate the country`s tourism marketing activity in South America. Ministry officials say shorter flight times and lower fares will will significantly boost flights to Israel and make Israel a more attractive destination for Spanish and South American travelers".
 
In 2005, 95,000 tourists arrived in Israel from Latin America, 50 per cent more than in 2004. The number of visitors from Spain more than doubled to 52,000.