Air Algérie Announces Eid al-Fitr Discounts, Manchester Route, Fleet Expansion
Image: Echorouk
Takeaway
Air Algérie's strategic fleet renewal and route expansion, particularly in Africa and Asia, presents opportunities for aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. Investors should monitor Air Algérie's financial performance and its ability to capitalize on growing passenger demand in these regions. The code-sharing agreement with Qatar Airways could also provide a competitive advantage, expanding Air Algérie's reach without significant capital expenditure.
Air Algérie is offering a 40% discount on international flights for Eid al-Fitr 2026. The promotion aims to facilitate travel for individuals wishing to spend the religious holiday with family in Algeria and abroad. The airline announced the special offer on Monday, March 2, 2026, via its Facebook page.
In addition to the promotional offer, Air Algérie has launched a new route between Algiers and Manchester, UK, with promotional fares starting from GBP 218 (~$300). This new service allows passengers to travel from Algiers to Manchester to see Algerian player Rayan Ait Nouri play for Manchester City. The airline is also increasing its UK operations by adding flights to Manchester and increasing frequencies to London Heathrow and London Stansted; weekly flights to the UK will rise to 14 for the summer 2026 season. Air Algérie began regular services to Stansted in April 2025.
Air Algérie is undertaking a significant fleet renewal and expansion program. In 2023, the airline launched a plan to acquire 18 new aircraft. As part of this initiative, Air Algérie received its first Airbus A330neo in November 2025, with a seating capacity of 308. The aircraft, named “November 54,” has 18 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 266 Economy seats. The A330neo offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generations, and is equipped with modern entertainment systems, including Wi-Fi. The airline had initially ordered two Airbus A350-1000 aircraft but later replaced the order with three additional A330-900s. This brings the total A330-900neo orders to eight. Deliveries of the A330neos are expected to begin in June 2026. Air Algérie also has eight Boeing 737 MAX-9 aircraft on order, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027. In addition, 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft were ordered in 2025 to strengthen the domestic network.
The National Investment Fund (FNI) has granted Air Algérie a loan to finance the fleet renewal. Air Algérie currently has 56 aircraft in its fleet, including eight A330-200s, 32 Boeing 737s, 15 ATR-72 turboprops, and one L100 cargo aircraft. The airline's Airbus A330s serve long-haul destinations, including Montreal, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai. Air Algérie is also planning to add Amsterdam to its network. As part of its international expansion, Air Algérie is partnering with Qatar Airways through a code-sharing agreement. This partnership allows Air Algérie passengers to access new destinations in Asia and the Middle East, including Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Oman, and Hong Kong, with a single booking and a connection in Doha. Air Algérie also plans to launch a direct route between Algiers and Kuala Lumpur with three weekly flights starting March 29, 2026, using Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.
Air Algérie's strategic plan extends until 2035, with further acquisitions planned to meet growing demand. The airline aims to double its African routes by 2028, reaching around 20 destinations, with new routes to Libreville and Luanda, and an extension of the Algiers-N'Djamena route. New routes to Rotterdam and Guangzhou are also planned, and services to Beijing, Doha, Egypt, and Turkey will be increased. Air Algérie is also considering expansion in Southeast Asia and Canada beyond Montreal. The airline's expansion and modernization efforts are intended to strengthen Algeria's position in the international aviation market and support the country's growing tourism sector.