EL AL Israel Airlines has launched a new digital program to support and accelerate startups in the aviation and travel sectors. Named “Cockpit,” the initiative aims to close the gap between ideas and implementation, offering entrepreneurs a platform to pilot and scale their innovations.
The Cockpit program provides startups with a range of practical benefits designed to fast-track development and market entry. Participants receive access to the Microsoft Ventures accelerator network, technological platforms, mentorship, and office space. The program also offers seed funding, access to EL AL systems for building and testing beta platforms, and guidance in marketing, advertising, engineering, customer service, and technology integration.
Since Cockpit launched, several startups have presented solutions to EL AL and its commercial partners. Participants include BidFlyer, which offers a public platform that creates a new channel for ticket sales, and ShopnFly, a service that helps travelers search and compare duty-free prices and purchase items to pick up at airport stores, on the aircraft, or at partner hotels.
With Israel widely recognized as “The Startup Nation,” EL AL is leveraging its industry position to champion travel and aviation entrepreneurs. Cockpit is intended to bring promising startups to the forefront of travel technology by combining industry expertise, commercial resources, and direct operational support.