• Airline orders 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 to modernize fleet and boost capacity

• Deliveries set between mid-2026 and 2027 as part of broader expansion plan

• Move aligns with earlier Airbus and Boeing orders to meet rising demand

Air Algérie is moving ahead with plans to upgrade and expand its fleet, placing an order for 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in both domestic and international markets.

The state-owned carrier announced the deal on March 26, saying the acquisition is aimed at modernizing its fleet, expanding its route network, and improving the passenger experience, including onboard comfort. The company added that the order will help enhance its competitiveness.

Under the delivery schedule, five aircraft are expected starting in July 2026, with the remaining five set to arrive in 2027. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Air Algérie said the purchase reflects a broader effort to adapt to changes in the aviation sector and meet evolving market demands.

The order builds on a previous agreement signed in 2023 with Boeing and Airbus for 15 aircraft. That deal included eight Boeing 737-9 MAX jets, each with a capacity of 170 to 210 seats, as well as five Airbus A330-900 aircraft and two A350-1000 jets.

Local media report that the airline could receive its first Boeing aircraft as early as April, ahead of the initial delivery timeline. Deliveries from Airbus began in November 2025, with three A330-900 aircraft already received and two more expected in the coming weeks, according to Visa-Algérie.

As part of its growth strategy, Air Algérie aims to carry 9.8 million passengers in 2026 and operate across all 36 airports in the country. To meet rising demand, the airline also leased 10 aircraft in 2025.

Walid Kéfi