National Carrier Targets 100 Planes for Service Enhancement

Air Algérie is implementing a strategic program to expand its fleet, aiming to reach a total of 100 aircraft. This objective, announced by the Minister of Transport, Saïd Sayoud, is driven by the necessity to meet increasing passenger demand and elevate the quality of services, particularly for domestic flights. The initiative represents the culmination of a renewal plan that commenced several months ago.

As part of this expansion, the national carrier has already integrated several new aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAX 8 models—the first of which, named “El Hourria,” is part of an order for ten—alongside ATR turboprops designated for shorter routes. These modern additions, celebrated for their fuel efficiency, contribute to fewer technical immobilizations, reduced delays, and enhanced operational autonomy for longer non-stop rotations. Complementing these, ATR 72-600s assigned to Domestic Airlines are crucial for servicing regional airfields that larger jets cannot economically access, bolstering Algeria's strategic ambition to become a significant air correspondence hub between Europe and the African continent.

Minister Sayoud has specifically emphasized the importance of densifying the domestic flight schedule, acknowledging the considerable demand, particularly towards southern wilayas where air travel often serves as the most viable link. Concurrently, he called for a thorough review of service quality across all touchpoints, from ground reception and punctuality to baggage handling and passenger information. This focus on air transport improvement is aligned with broader governmental efforts to enhance national infrastructure, including initiatives like the inauguration of an industrial airline catering unit and programs aimed at renewing 10,000 buses and improving road safety.