Transport Minister Said Saoud confirmed on Thursday that the transfer of ownership of Tassili Aviation to Air Algerie is proceeding according to principles of justice, transparency, and protection of workers’ rights. This landmark announcement came during a press conference alongside Air Algerie’s Director General Hamza Ben Hamouda, marking a significant milestone in Algeria’s aviation sector modernization.Strategic Vision Under President Tebboune’s LeadershipThe creation of the new “Domestic Airlines” company represents the culmination of an ambitious strategic vision and strong political will led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to enhance public air transport services and strengthen connectivity between different regions of the nation. This initiative demonstrates Algeria’s commitment to developing its transportation infrastructure while maintaining social justice and worker protection as core principles.Ben Hamouda emphasized that the integration of Tassili Aviation into the new Air Algerie system is being conducted within a framework of justice, transparency, and complete respect for all competencies and human resources. The Director General assured Tassili Aviation workers that Air Algerie will remain their professional home, with social justice serving as the main theme of this transition phase.Comprehensive Fleet Expansion and ModernizationThe transfer will see all material and human resources from Tassili Aviation moved to the new company under an agreement signed between Sonatrach’s holding company for external activities and support and Air Algerie, crucially with no worker layoffs. In addition to the 15 aircraft currently belonging to Tassili Aviation, the new Domestic Airlines will be reinforced with 16 ATR aircraft through an agreement with the European company signed on Thursday, valued at over $420 million.This expansion will bring Air Algerie’s total fleet to 102 aircraft, compared to the current 55, including 16 Boeing and Airbus aircraft currently being manufactured for Air Algerie. Minister Saoud confirmed that the fleet is currently undergoing efficiency inspections, particularly for aircraft over 15 years old, with plans to sell older aircraft to maintain operational excellence.Regional Development and Economic IntegrationThe establishment of this new domestic airline responds to the growing demand for domestic routes and addresses requirements for connecting southern provinces with other regions. This initiative embodies Algeria’s strategic objectives for enhancing economic and social development for residents of these areas, achieving regional balance, improving quality of life, enhancing commercial exchange, and encouraging tourism in the south.The Minister highlighted intensive efforts to strengthen the national fleet in maritime cargo shipping, which recently increased to eight ships from two previously, with three additional ships entering service in July after maintenance completion. In the railway sector, the Minister revealed potential partnerships with Italian institutions to benefit from their expertise in this field.Timeline and Service ContinuityBen Hamouda confirmed that once the ownership transfer process is completed during July, the first flight under the “Domestic Airlines” designation will be launched. All existing Tassili Aviation customers have been assured that their advance bookings will be honored without any changes to travel schedules or service levels, ensuring seamless continuity during the transition.The Secretary General of the General Union of Algerian Workers, Ammar Takdjout, praised the creation of this domestic company, which will play an important role in developing the domestic transport network. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening social dialogue to ensure addressing the concerns of all workers involved in the transfer of Tassili Aviation assets to Air Algerie.This comprehensive transformation represents Algeria’s determination to modernize its aviation sector while maintaining its commitment to social justice and worker protection, positioning the country as a leader in responsible corporate restructuring within the region.
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