The government of Algeria has authorized Air Algérie, the country’s national carrier, to purchase 15 new aircraft as part of the airline’s fleet renewal program and plans for route expansion.
In a statement released on May 8, 2022, Air Algérie announced plans to add long-haul aircraft models to its fleet and open new routes to destinations in Africa and Asia.’
Additionally, the Algerian government approved Air Algérie’s new flight schedule ahead of the summer season.
“This program [is] to be published by executive decree,” the statement read.
Today, Air Algérie has a fleet of 55 aircraft with an average age of 14 years, according to data from Planespotters.com. Its fleet comprises eight A330-200s, 25 B737-800s, two B737-700s, five B737-600s, and 15 ATR 72s.
The airline last renewed its fleet in 2016 with the introduction of eight Boeing 737 aircraft, according to a report by Newsaero.
The renewal program was suspended indefinitely in 2020 in response to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A report from local newspaper The Maghreb Times said Air Algérie’s fleet renewal plan is estimated to cost 250 billion dinars ($1.7 billion dollars). The renewal plan is part of the airline’s restructuring, which will involve the separation of the group into distinct entities.
This will include establishing “several subsidiaries dedicated to passenger transport” as well as “an entity dedicated to maintenance in partnership with foreign companies,” The Maghreb Times added.
Air Algérie currently serves 75 destinations across 28 countries, including 44 international routes and 35 domestic routes.