Israel is set to receive more flight options through a strategic partnership signed between Delta Air Lines and El Al this week.

Customers connecting to Delta or El Al’s services will be able to check in for their entire journey, as well as provide reciprocal codeshare and frequent flyer benefits that stand to give an advantage to passengers within Israel and the United States.

Delta will offer up to 200 same-day connections from Tel Aviv, while El Al will offer customers additional nonstop services to the capital from Boston and New York’s JFK. Both sides confirmed that, eventually, their respective IATA codes will be added to each other’s operated flights.

Commenting on the deal was Matteo Curcio, Delta’ Senior VP for Europe, Middle East, Africa & India: “Working closely with EL AL will further strengthen Delta’s connection to Israel by offering more customers unrivaled access to destinations across the U.S., Enhanced partnerships are integral to our long-term strategy to better connect Delta customers around the world”.

Adding to this was Shlomi Zafrany, El Al’s VP of Commercial & Industry Affairs: We are delighted to offer our customers new ways to discover exciting destinations on both sides of the Atlantic through our partnership with Delta. This partnership marks another important milestone in our long-term strategy and offers our customers unparalleled service”.

Overall, this is positive news for both sides, especially on the perspective of tourism links between the United States and Israel.