Air Algérie has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max 8, as the North African carrier starts a programme of narrowbody fleet renewal.
Air Algérie welcomes first Boeing 737 MAX
The aircraft, handed over on 11 July at Algiers Airport, is the first of 10 737 Max 8s scheduled to join the Algerian flag carrier over the next two years.
Registered 7T-VLQ and named El Houria (“Freedom”), the aircraft is one of five 737 Max 8s due before the end of 2026, with the remaining five aircraft due to arrive during 2027.
The latest addition is configured with 186 seats in a single-class layout and will gradually replace ageing Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft that have formed the backbone of the airline’s short- and medium-haul operations for many years.
Flag carrier adds to 737 inventory
Despite the arrival of the Max, Air Algérie continues to operate a sizeable Boeing 737 fleet comprising one 737-600, two 737-700s and 24 737-800s.
The airline’s 737 fleet has an average age of 17.1 years
The airline’s investment in the Max family extends beyond the -8 variant. During the 2023 Paris Air Show, Air Algérie placed an order for eight larger 737 Max 9 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin from 2027.
The Algerian flag carrier also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF).
“This order will contribute to the development of the Air Algérie fleet,” said Yacine Benslimane, general manager of Air Algérie, at the time of the order. “This acquisition is part of Air Algérie’s fleet extension strategy through the purchase of new aircraft.”
“The 737-9 is ideally suited for Air Algérie’s regional network, providing it with additional capacity and flexibility to operate seamlessly with its existing 737 fleet,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “In addition, the highly reliable and capable 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters will enable Air Algerie to capture growing cargo opportunities, expanding beyond its passenger business.”
The newly delivered aircraft were originally intended for Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL, but the aircraft became available after Boeing renegotiated delivery positions as part of GOL’s financial restructuring and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Air Algérie acquires new ATR 72-600s
The new narrowbodies form just one element of Air Algérie’s fleet renewal.
The airline has also begun replacing regional turboprops, recently taking delivery of another ATR 72-600 as part of an order for 16 aircraft.
The acquisition also includes an ATR 72-600 full-flight simulator – the first of its kind in Africa.
Air Algérie is ATR’s largest customer in Africa, and has been operating ATR aircraft since 2003, with previous acquisitions in 2008 and 2014.
It currently operates 12 ATR 72-500s and 3 ATR 72-600s.
Deliveries of the new aircraft have now begun and will continue until 2028.
Equipped with the latest generation PW127XT engines, the 72-seat ATR 72-600s will be operated by a newly created regional subsidiary of Air Algérie – Domestic Airlines.
It will focus on enhancing connectivity nationwide, especially in the southern regions of the country – areas where air travel is deemed essential.
Upgrading the long-haul fleet with the Airbus A330-900
At the same time, Air Algérie has been renewing its long-haul fleet with Airbus A330-900neos.
In November, the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A330-900, which will play a key role in Air Algérie’s expansion plans from Algiers, enabling the launch of new transatlantic and Asian routes.
Air Algérie currently has five A330neos in service, and will become the largest operator of the aircraft type in Africa.
Air Algérie’s A330neo is configured in a comfortable three-class cabin layout with 18 full-flat seats in Business, 24 in Premium Economy and 266 in Economy class.
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