The event was the launch of El Al’s newest wine menus for the airline’s First and Business classes. Most of the guests were members of El Al’s Frequent Flyer Club, or passengers who usually fly in Business or First Class. But among the invitees was a not insignificant number of “us” – those who choose to fly in Economy Class for whatever reason. They too are recognized, properly serviced and fully appreciated.
Friday morning at the “Hamam” in old Jaffa. El Al pulled out all the stops for their honored guests; the wine flowed like water, the snacks were plentiful (and delicious!) and the atmosphere welcoming and laid back. Everyone felt “At home away from home”.
El Al President & CEO Elyezer Shkedy briefly welcomed the guests with a short overview of El Al’s recent achievements and awards from independent tourism experts. (Did you know that this summer Travel & Leisure Magazine’s readers placed El Al in the top 20 airlines in the world, position #18?) He then introduced wine expert Yair Haidu who recently joined the El Al culinary team to make sure that next time you fly, the on-board service will be even better. In addressing the audience, Haidu reminded us that: “Wine is like no other beverage. It means something special (and unique) to everyone. Wine is the prince of drinks so it is not surprising that El Al over recent years has paid even more attention to improving the flight experience – and that includes the wines on offer.”
The launch of the new wine menus included a wine-tasting of dozens of wines selected from about 300 that various Israeli wineries – large and small – offered to El Al. Haidu added: “Whereas before, airlines had to choose only between huge wineries that could supply the needed quantities year round, El Al has now “broken out of the box” with a decision to have wine menus change with the seasons, in addition to offering a “Wine of the Month” with special discoveries and selections. Now frequent flyers (and others) can taste and enjoy new wines each time they fly. On El Al, the boring days of “red or white?” are a thing of the past.
Happy landings and “l’chaim”.
Photos Sivan Farag
Yair Haidu with El Al President & CEO Elyezer Shkedy
& Photo of the wine presentation ceremony.
