EL AL Airlines Poster first flights to four continents, Franz Krausz, 1951.

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EL AL was born in 1948 along with the State of Israel, not only as an airborne bridge between the fledgling State and the world but as an expression of national existence and pride, as the Israeli flag adorning the aircraft’s tail proudly appeared in destinations around the world.

The poster, designed by Franz Krausz in 1951, depicts EL AL’s first commercial flights to four continents: New York in the United States, Nairobi and Johannesburg in Africa, various cities in Europe, and Israel in Asia.

Between 1951 and 1957, EL AL experienced what came to be known as the ‘lean years.’ The initial excitement and improvisation of the airline’s first two years had settled, and the airline was striving to establish itself as a stable commercial operation while continuing its mission to connect Israel to the world.

During this period, Israel faced the monumental task of providing for hundreds of thousands of new immigrants. The economy was struggling, and there were significant challenges in travel and trade due to austerity measures. There were serious doubts about whether a small nation like Israel could sustain an airline capable of competing internationally without draining national resources.

Initially, EL AL’s routes connected Tel Aviv only with major European cities such as Paris, London, Rome, and Zurich. In June 1950, after acquiring two additional DC-4 aircraft from United Airlines, EL AL began special charter flights between Tel Aviv and New York (Idlewild Airport, now JFK). In October 1950, it expanded its service to Johannesburg, South Africa, via Khartoum, Nairobi, and Livingstone.

This expansion made EL AL the first airline outside North America and Europe to operate scheduled trans-North Atlantic service, a revolutionary achievement celebrated throughout Israel.

The Designer: Franz Krausz-

Considered one of the most influential figures in Israeli design, Franz Krauss redefined the aesthetic symbols of the nation’s visual identity.
With a career spanning over four decades, Krauss was a master of his craft. The colors are bright and vibrant, the composition is dynamic and striking the illustrations are impressive and, most importantly, encapsulate the true spirit of Israel during his time.

What set Krauss apart was his profound understanding of the unique ambiance prevailing in Israel during those years—a sense of unity, innovation, and a drive to create a brighter future. He possessed the uncanny ability to convey these sentiments through his iconic posters, which now serve as poignant relics of that era.