Israel's High Court of Justice rejected El Al petition against NY route for Israir

The High Court of Justice rejected last week three appeals brought by El Al, its parent Knafaim-Arkia Holdings, and its workers, against the decision made by Tourism Minister Avraham Hirchson to allow Israir a full status as a second designated carrier on the New York to Tel Aviv route.
 
Justices Aharon Barak, Ayala Procaccia, and Salim Joubran said in a court statement that they would publish their arguments at a later date. The decision made it clear that for the first time, a second Israeli airline will be able to compete with El Al as a designated carrier on the New York route. Israir's spokesman stated that the High Court of Justice decision, to reject the appeals is "first and foremost a victory for the Israeli consumer and the Israeli economy."
 
The decision opens the skies to competition on flights to the United States and may be a precedent toward opening more routes to competition. Shortly after the High Court of Justice announced its decision Israir said that it was about to complete preparations for scheduled flights between Tel Aviv and New York.
 
The company added it would charge 10-15% less than current fares on the NY route.