(MIAMI, February 6, 2017) – Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) Director Emilio T. González led a team of MDAD executives on a visit to Israel last week for meetings with senior officials from EL AL Israel Airlines and Ben Gurion International Airport, to discuss a potential Miami-Tel Aviv route and best practices related to airport operations and security. The gathering was the latest in a series of meetings with EL AL regarding potential air service opportunities. The airline visited MIA in February 2016, followed by a meeting with MDAD officials four months later at the 2016 International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dublin, Ireland.
“We are extremely grateful for our growing relationship with the leadership teams at EL AL Airlines and Ben Gurion Airport,” said MDAD Director González. “The lessons learned and information shared was invaluable. Additionally, as EL AL considers adding new markets to its network, we appreciate the opportunity to continue discussions toward renewing service between Miami and Tel Aviv – two of the world’s most strategic destinations for air service expansion.”
MIA welcomed six new entrant passenger airlines and four all-cargo carriers in 2016, and already has five airlines launching new service in 2017. Three new airlines began serving MIA in just the last week: Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris began service to Guadalajara four times a week and Mexico City daily on February 1; Qatar Airways Cargo began two weekly freighter flights on February 3; and Canadian airline First Air began charter passenger flights on February 4 from Ontario. In April, low-cost transatlantic airline WOW air will launch thrice-weekly service to Reykjavík, Iceland, and in September, Aer Lingus will launch three weekly flights to Dublin, Ireland. MIA currently serves 109 airlines, which is the most of any U.S. airport.
Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America’s second-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of more than 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $33.7 billion annually and welcoming 70 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIA’s vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at www.MIAefficiency.com.