Algeria flag carrier to purchase new planes for Africa, Asia destinations

Algeria’s government Sunday granted the country’s flag carrier the authority to purchase 15 new aircraft for additional destinations in Africa and Asia.

Air Algerie will be able to expand its fleet following the cabinet decision, a statement by the Algerian presidency said.  

The statement added that the new flight programme for Air Algerie was approved for the anticipated summer season. It did not specify when this will be published.

The airline, founded in 1947, has a total of 56 planes and operates flights to 28 destinations, including Africa, Asia, Europe and Canada.

It last updated its fleet in 2014, when it also acquired 15 planes for international and domestic flights.

Air Algerie has been in deep financial trouble for years, with rising expenses compared to lower revenues, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic which hammered the travel industry.

This has required a state bail out more than once to avoid it going bankrupt.