Dan Yogev Kaznelson has built a career at the intersection of technology, innovation, and leadership. With over twenty years of experience in technology, he has led major projects that bridge strategy, innovation, and execution. His transition into the aviation industry brought his expertise into a field where every system is interconnected, and every decision affects operations, employees, and passengers. At EL AL, Dan plays a pivotal role in driving the airline’s digital evolution, ensuring it remains agile, efficient, and future-ready.
From early in his career, Dan has been fascinated by how technology can shape the future. His passion for innovation and strategic thinking led him to pursue solutions that create real impact. The aviation industry attracted him because it is dynamic, fast-moving, and complex. For Dan, the challenge of combining long-term planning with innovative ideas makes aviation an exciting and meaningful field. Being part of EL AL’s digital transformation is one of his proudest achievements.
What makes Dan’s work stand out is his focus on people and collaboration. He believes that success comes from the dedication and creativity of talented teams. Working with some of the best professionals in the industry, he has fostered a culture of excellence where innovation thrives. At EL AL, this mindset blends the complexity of aviation with the agility of Israel’s “Startup Nation,” enabling the company to innovate rapidly while maintaining safety and quality at its core.
Leading change in aviation is never simple. Every system is connected, and each adjustment impacts multiple areas. Dan often describes this process as “changing a wheel while the aircraft is landing.” To overcome these challenges, he focuses on teamwork, communication, and shared purpose. By listening to employees, encouraging open discussion, and aligning everyone toward common goals, he transforms challenges into opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Among his many achievements, one stands out above the rest. Dan successfully led the completion of a long-term technology strategy that will support EL AL for decades to come. The initiative involved multiple systems, organizational changes, and careful coordination, all completed without disrupting daily operations. Several projects received international recognition for their innovation and excellence. This achievement strengthened EL AL’s digital foundation, positioning the airline for long-term growth and resilience.
Dan believes the aviation industry is on the verge of a major transformation powered by technology. Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital self-service systems are set to shape the future of air travel. He envisions a world where airlines move beyond simply responding to passenger needs and begin anticipating them, offering experiences that are seamless, flexible, and deeply personalized. For Dan, those who embrace this evolution will lead the next era of aviation.
For Dan, technology is not just a support system but a core driver of progress. By leveraging AI, automation, and data-driven systems, he helps streamline operations, empower employees, and enhance the customer experience. His approach combines technical expertise with strategic vision, ensuring that every innovation delivers measurable value.
Dan’s leadership style is proactive, persistent, and people-centered. He focuses on real needs, encourages creative thinking, and fosters an environment where people feel valued and motivated. He believes that when teams feel empowered, they deliver meaningful impact that strengthens both the organization and its mission. To young professionals, Dan offers clear advice: learn from real-world experiences, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. He believes that persistence, curiosity, and collaboration are key to success. “Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking,” he says, “as it helps turn ideas into reality.”
Looking to the future, Dan’s vision is to continue leading EL AL’s digital transformation. His goal is to ensure that every innovation enhances efficiency, empowers employees, and improves the passenger journey. He aims to position EL AL as a global example of how technology and human insight can work together to shape the future of aviation.