El Al launches new low-cost flight brand UP

El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. has announced the launch of UP, a new low-cost airline into Israel. From March 30, 2014 UP will offer a total of 50 flights per week from five destinations within Europe to Israel, including Berlin, Budapest, Kiev, Prague and Larnaca. The basic one-way fare will be $69 to Prague and Budapest, and $100 to Berlin, Kiev, and Larnaca.

The airline will allow customers to select and pay for only the services they wish to use, and will have the choice of two classes – economy and economy plus. The ticket will allow passengers to take hand luggage up to 6 kilograms. There will be a $20 charge for a 23-kilogram suitcase, if a reservation is made, and $40 charge at the airport.

The launch of UP comes after the Israeli government signed the Open Skies Agreement with the European Union in April 2013. The implementation of the agreement will increase the volume of low-cost flights into Israel.

Tickets and the UP website will launch in December 2013.

Source: globes.co.il