New Israeli Airline TUS IL Seeks Airbus A320 Pilots for Q1 2026 Launch.

The establishment of a new Israeli air carrier, New Israeli airline TUS IL, is progressing rapidly.

The airline has officially started its TUS IL pilot recruitment drive, according to a report by Globes. TUS IL is currently seeking experienced pilots for the popular Airbus A320 aircraft family.

Strategic Expansion and Operations

The new carrier is aiming to begin Commercial operations Q1 2026. This launch is a strategic move by the Israeli tourism firm, Holiday Lines Group. The group already owns the Greek airline Blue Bird and Cypriot airline TUS Airways.

Former Arkia CEO Nir Dagan heads the new airline venture. TUS IL has secured a commercial license from the Ministry of Transport. It is now in the advanced stages of obtaining its essential operating license.

The primary goal is to service nearby destinations. These routes have a typical flight time of four to five hours. Crucially, the new Israeli license will allow Flights to Georgia and Dubai.

This is a key differentiator for the Holiday Lines Group expansion. Their existing European-licensed carriers are limited to routes within the EU. The new airline bypasses these European Union (EU) regulatory restrictions from EASA.

Pilot Recruitment and Career Path

The airline is specifically targeting qualified Airbus A320 pilot jobs. The company is offering a clear path for professional growth. Pilots are offered a promotion track to Captain rank. This is achievable within two years and after 3,000 flying hours.

This aggressive recruitment strategy signals a strong commitment to the launch timeline. The A320 is a workhorse in the region. Airbus manufactures this narrow-body jet.

Israel Aviation Market Competition

TUS IL enters a competitive, yet recovering, local market. The Israeli aviation sector is showing strong post-conflict resilience. The Israel Airports Authority reported a significant rebound in 2025.

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) saw nearly 18.4 million international passengers in 2025. This figure represents a 33% increase over the previous year. Passenger traffic is projected to reach 22 million in 2026.

Four main carriers currently operate in Israel. These include El Al, Israir, Arkia, and the newer Air Haifa. Israeli airlines collectively carried 58% of all passengers in 2025.

Operating from Ben Gurion Airport, TUS IL faces direct Ben Gurion Airport competition. The airline will compete with Sun D’Or, Israir, and Arkia. These rivals already serve non-EU destinations like Georgia and the UAE. This highlights the challenge for the new carrier.

• Opportunity: The market is expanding rapidly, with 22 million passengers projected for 2026.
• Challenge: TUS IL must quickly establish market share. It must compete against established Israeli flag carriers.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), regional connectivity remains vital. TUS IL aims to capitalize on this demand. The new airline’s ability to serve high-demand, non-EU destinations is a significant advantage.

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