Air Algérie orders five A330-900s and two A350-1000s
Air Algérie seeks to both strengthen its regional services as well as offering an ambitious schedule of transcontinental destinations. The order for A330s and A350s will ensure the carrier has the capacity for its plans and also benefit from operational savings such as a 25%t lower fuel burn per seat and greater flexibility resulting from the unique commonality between members of the Airbus aircraft Family.
Both the A330neo and the A350 feature the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.
Both the A330neo and A350 are powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent engines and offer a range of 7,200 nm and 8,700 nm respectively. These jets will help cement Air Algérie's future development and increase its route network.
The national airline of Algeria has a rich and colourful history which spans more than six decades since being established in 1947. Air Algérie has played a vital role in connecting Algeria with the rest of the world, especially during difficult times.
In its early years, the carrier operated a fleet of small aircraft and was mainly focused on domestic routes. However, as travel demand really started to increase, Air Algérie quickly expanded its services by operating international flights to various destinations such as Paris, Marseille, and Tunis. In the early 1950s the airline had a fleet that included a Breguet 761, six Bretagnes, five DC-3s, and three DC-4s. Over time, the airline steadily grew its fleet and route network, becoming a significant player in the African aviation industry.
A notable milestone for Air Algérie was the acquisition of jet aircraft in the 1960s which enabled the airline to introduce faster and more efficient flights, significantly reducing the duration of the longer services. The introduction of jet aircraft also marked a new era for Air Algérie as it expanded its international reach and opened routes to more cities in Europe and the Middle East. Boeing 737-200, Caravelles and 727s all flew in Air Algérie colours during this time.
Air Algérie faced numerous challenges due to political instability and economic difficulties in Algeria during the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, despite the uncertain times the airline managed to navigate through and emerged stronger and more dynamic.
In recent years, Air Algérie has focused on improving its services and expanding its international presence. It has introduced new destinations, including long-haul routes to North America, Asia, and the Americas, catering to the growing demand for international travel from Algeria. Today, Air Algérie stands as a symbol of Algeria's connectivity with the world, it operates services to four continents, with 44 international and 33 domestic destinations.
Air Algérie continues to play a crucial role in the development of Algeria's aviation industry and contributes to the country's economic growth and cultural exchange with the global community.
The airline currently has a mixed fleet of some 56 modern aircraft with an average age of 11 years, including 8 Airbus A330-202s, 25 Boeing 737-800, 2 Boeing 737-700, 5 Boeing 737-600, 15 ATR 72-212 and a cargo Hercules L130. In addition to the new Airbus order, the airline has committed to 10 737 MAX aircraft, scheduled to start arriving in 2027.
