Air Algérie, Algeria’s national carrier, has ordered 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 narrowbody jets to modernize its short- and medium-haul fleet. Deliveries will commence in July 2026 with five aircraft, followed by five more in 2027.
The order replaces aging Boeing 737NG variants, including 737-800s, -700s, and -600s, alongside a few older Airbus A320-family planes, some exceeding 20 years in service. Air Algérie’s current narrowbody fleet comprises about 27 Boeing 737NGs and five Airbus A320s, supplemented by ATR 72 turboprops for domestic routes.
This acquisition builds on prior commitments, including eight Boeing 737 MAX 9s ordered at the 2023 Paris Air Show, with deliveries starting in 2027. The airline is also integrating Airbus A330-900neo widebodies to renew long-haul operations and expand routes to destinations like Montreal, Manchester, and Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, 16 ATR 72-600s are on order for regional services.
The slots for these 737 MAX 8s likely originate from cancellations, possibly those of Brazil’s GOL Airlines amid its restructuring. Air Algérie’s press release omitted details on order value, engines, cabin configuration, or financing. Founded in 1947 and nationalized post-independence in the 1960s, the Algiers-based airline operates a fleet of 55 to 59 aircraft, carrying 8.8 million passengers in 2025, up 11 percent from prior year.
“This acquisition is part of efforts to modernize the fleet, expand the route network, and improve passenger service quality,” stated Air Algérie in its official communiqué.