El Al’s special efforts to transport out of Israel thousands of stranded tourists after foreign airlines cancelled their flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport because of the Cyprus situation has greatly increased the prestige of the Israel airline, according to Mordechai Ben Ari, its general director. Ben Ari, who has just returned from France, Britain and Switzerland, said that in addition, the relatively small drop in tour-ism to Israel as compared to European countries also attracted the attention of travel agents and airlines in Europe.
Ben Ari also reported that his proposal to have a third and much cheaper class, known as the “Vacation Class,” on airlines as a substitute for charter flights is being discussed by the members of the International Air Travel Association. He said it could come into effect in 1976. Ben Ari said his proposal would be to increase the number of seats for this class by eliminating meals and narrowing the aisles. He said if this class was established there would be no need for charters.
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