{El Al}
By Kevin Deutsch
El Al, Israel’s national airline, is moving its American headquarters to Broward County.
“This is happening, for sure,” said Broward County Mayor Michael Udine, who sat in on the meetings leading up to the airline’s decision. “El Al really loved what we had to offer in Broward County, and they’ve already announced to their board and the state of Israel that they will be moving to South Florida imminently.”
“This is really a great get for Broward County,” Udine added.
The property that will become El Al’s new headquarters is located in Margate, officials said.
“I want to join my counterparts at the county level in extending a warm welcome to our friends at El Al,” said Tommy Ruzzano, Chair of the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency. “We are simply ecstatic with this announcement. Our agency is committed to attracting more multinational businesses that globally put Margate on the map.”
In a written announcement Friday, the City of Margate called itself the “perfect location” for the airline.
With over 1,800 businesses, three international airports, and three deepwater seaports within an hour’s drive of Margate, the city “is strategically positioned to serve the growing population of the tri-county area,” the announcement read.
The airline plans to move from New York to base its financial, administrative, and marketing functions in its new location at 5297 Copans Road in Margate, according to the city.
Established in 1948, El Al offers more non-stop flights than any other airline to and from Israel.
The carrier currently flies to 36 destinations from Israel and serves hundreds of other destinations worldwide.
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