Cockpit Innovation

Cockpit Innovation is the corporate venture capital arm of El Al Israel Airlines, established in 2015 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage startups across sectors such as airline operations, logistics, air cargo, cybersecurity, revenue management, digital travel, and food technology. It operates an accelerator program that provides resources and access to a robust network within the air travel and food-tech industries, aiming to foster meaningful collaborations and innovative solutions aligned with the interests of its stakeholders.

The firm has partnered with prominent industry players, including gategroup, Lufthansa, Boeing, and JetBlue Technology Ventures, to support and invest in entrepreneurs with disruptive technologies in digital travel, aviation, and aerospace. These partnerships enhance Cockpit Innovation's ability to identify new airline and passenger needs, provide access to various projects and startups, and expedite their introduction to the market.

Cockpit Innovation has invested in several companies specializing in artificial intelligence, big data, communications, and financial technology. Notable investments include 30SecondsToFly, Routier, and Bidflyer. The firm also became a key investor in the second fundraising round of AeroCRS, a company that developed a platform enabling airlines to set up and manage their entire digital operations, distribution, and sales system within a short time period.

In January 2019, gategroup, a global leader in airline catering and hospitality services, announced an undisclosed investment in Cockpit Innovation. This strategic investment aims to accelerate the delivery of gategroup's innovation goals by supporting and investing in innovative and disruptive technologies in digital travel, aviation, and aerospace.

In October 2024, El Al pursued a controlling investment in Isracard, Israel's largest credit-card company, offering to acquire a 45% shareholding. This move reflects El Al's commitment to expanding its financial services and enhancing its offerings to customers.

Cockpit Innovation continues to play a pivotal role in El Al's strategy to drive innovation and growth within the airline industry by supporting and investing in early-stage startups with disruptive technologies.