The news that Israel is planning to ban quadjets from next March came as a bit of a shock. While no passenger airlines operate to Tel Aviv using four engine aircraft, the impact on cargo carriers operating to and from the country will certainly be felt.

Speaking at a media briefing today, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Willie Walsh, expressed his astonishment over the first-of-its-kind decision. He commented,

“I have to be honest; I was very surprised. I think it will be disruptive, particularly for the cargo industry. There are a lot of four engined 747 freighters out there. And many of them have served Israel.”

Indeed, many of them still do. Challenge Airlines continues to operate the Boeing 747-400ERF and the 747-400FSCD to the airport on a fairly regular basis. Other affected 747 operators include Silk Way West and AirACT, who both currently fly their freighters into Israel.

Challenge Airlines Boeing 747
Challenge Airlines regularly flies its Boeing 747-400 freighters into Tel Aviv. Photo: Challenge Airlines

Is the ban a fair move?

The reasoning given by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) for implementing this unusual directive is,

“To improve the environmental climate and reduce aircraft noise in the communities affected by the airport’s operations.”

While the overarching message likely appeals to the environmental lobby, the truth is that the actions are somewhat misplaced against the reality of aviation. Aging Boeing 747s might be the poster child for carbon emitting, dirty airplanes, but there are other aircraft flying in that are as damaging and noisy, if not more.

For example, El Al Cargo regularly flies in with TS-ASK, a 29-year-old Airbus A300-600F operated by San Marino Executive Aviation. Turkey’s MGN Airlines pops in with one of its aging A300-600Fs as well, while FedEx and UPS both bring 30+ year old Boeing 757s laden with cargo.

MNG Airlines A300
Is it better to fly one modern quadjet or several old aircraft to bring the required cargo? Photo: Anna Zvereva via Wikimedia

While the headlines might make happy reading for environmentalists, scratch the surface and it seems nonsensical. A fully loaded Boeing 747-8, for example, would be far quieter and less polluting than flying in two A300s or a couple of three-decade old 757s with the same cargo on board.

Would it not make more sense to set limits for noise and emissions at the airport, and then let the operators decide how to deal with that?

Will other countries follow suit?

Although Walsh seemed disappointed with Israel’s reaction to the global climate crisis, he doesn’t see happening in other airports around the world. He commented,

“I don't think this is going to be replicated by other countries in the world … it's not in line with what you would expect from countries based on their commitments under ICAO. I don't fully understand the logic being used to introduce this ban, and I think it's going to represent some disruption for Israel in terms of cargo supply to the market.”

The more cynical might suggest that the quadjet ban has been more politically motivated than environmentally driven. June this year saw Middle East giant Emirates arriving in Tel Aviv for the first time after the signing of the Abraham Accords, albeit with a twinjet Boeing 777. But demand for the route had been strong, and there were rumors the airline was contemplating deploying the A380 on the service in the future.

The A380 should have arrived at Ben Gurion on December 6th last year, as a celebratory gesture prior to the launch of the permanent Dubai route. But omicron saw Israel slam shut its borders, and the flight never took place. Now, maybe it never will.