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THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS — Friday, October 14, 1960 —
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This is no 20 plane
by Harry Golden
As you fasten your seat belt on El Al's
Britannia, the pilot makes his opening an-
nouncement in the Hebraic accents of a
Biblical prophet. Immediately, he translates
this into precise Oxford English. But by
this time the versatility of the El Al crew
does not surprise you. I found out shortly
after we took off from Idlewild that the trim,
efficient, quite pretty Sabra stewardess had
been a sergeant in the Israeli Army. Later,
when I was invited forward to meet captain
and crew, I learned they had been trained
by one of the world's great pilots, Flight
Superintendent Tom Jones.
None of this is surprising, really, because
most of Israel's history is inextricably in.
volved with the age of flight. Israel is the only
country whose airline is as old as itself, and
as modern. El Al's service at Idlewild, Lon-
don, Paris, and Tel Aviv is quick, personal,
and punctual. It is an important link between
America, Europe and the Middle East and
you are treated importantly flying on it.
El Al is a cosmopolitan airline. I flew it. I
know. Nor is this merely a matter of personal
pride. Half the passengers who cross the
Atlantic on the Britannia, fly only to London
or Paris. And the atmosphere on El Al is
closer to $10 champagne than to- 2c plain,
In fact, if you order "for 2c plain" you will
have to pour it from a Schweppes bottle.
There is something immensely thrilling
landing in London, or Paris, or Tel Aviv on
El Al. Walking down the ramp, you want
your picture taken.
Nothing gives you as much a sense of be.
longing to the twentieth century as flying,
And no flying is as easy and as thoroughly
enjoyable as an El Al flight.