Air Algérie’s Ambitious Expansion: Fleet Doubling to Challenge Moroccan Rival

"We have a confirmed order for 34 aircraft of different capacities. We will receive a quarter of these aircraft during the last quarter of 2025. The rest will be done progressively until 2028. This first step will allow us to increase the Air Algérie fleet to 104 aircraft," said Hamza Benhamouda, the CEO of Air Algérie, in an interview with the website Al Araby Al Jadid.

The head of the Algerian airline announced the purchase of "about 60 new aircraft" once the fleet renewal stage is completed. "We consider this stage as an investment for the future in order to modernize and optimize our fleet," added Hamza Benhamouda without giving more details on this acquisition.

Ultimately, Air Algérie aims for a fleet of more than 160 aircraft, which will allow it to cover the 33 airports in the country and launch new routes to distant destinations such as China and the Netherlands. Among the ordered aircraft are eight Airbus long-haul A330-900s and as many Boeing medium-haul 737 Max-9s, and 16 new ATR 72s.

Upon closer inspection, the Algerian airline is strengthening its fleet to compete with Royal Air Maroc, its Moroccan counterpart, which is multiplying acquisitions to maintain its position as the leader in air transport in the Maghreb and Africa.