The Algerian flag carrier received the first of its 10 737 Max 8s, marking the start of a narrowbody fleet renewal programme. The aircraft was handed over on July 11, at Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) in Algiers.
Renewal begins, but the ageing fleet remains
Registered 7T-VLQ and named El Houria (“Freedom”), the jet is configured in a single-class layout with 186 seats and will gradually replace the airline’s ageing 737 Next Generation fleet on short- and medium-haul routes. The remaining aircraft will arrive on staggered timelines, with four more due by the end of 2026, with the remaining five arriving through 2027. Interestingly, this particular aircraft was originally built for Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL. It became available after Boeing renegotiated delivery positions as part of GOL’s financial restructuring and exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Even with the MAX now in service, Air Algérie (AH) continues to operate a sizeable existing 737 fleet: one 737-600, two 737-700s and 24 737-800s. According to data from ch-aviation, the average age across that fleet stands at 17.1 years. The MAX order extends beyond the -8 variant. At the 2023 Paris Air Show, Air Algérie ordered eight larger 737 MAX 9 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The airline also signed a memorandum of understanding for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters, a move that would give it its first dedicated cargo capacity.
Renewal extends to regional and long-haul fleets too
The MAX deliveries are part of a broader renewal effort across Air Algérie’s fleet. On the regional side, the airline recently took delivery of another ATR 72-600, part of a wider order for 16 aircraft that also includes Africa’s first ATR 72-600 full-flight simulator. Air Algérie is ATR’s largest customer on the continent, having operated the type since 2003, and currently flies 12 ATR 72-500s alongside three ATR 72-600s. The new turboprops, powered by PW127XT engines, will be operated by Domestic Airlines, a newly created regional subsidiary focused on improving connectivity in Algeria’s southern regions.
Long-haul renewal is progressing in parallel. Air Algérie took delivery of its first Airbus A330-900, registered 7T-VJD, in November 2025, the start of an order for 10 aircraft due to be completed by mid-2027. The new jets are replacing eight Airbus A330-200s with an average age of around 17 years, and are expected to cut fuel burn by roughly 25% compared with the outgoing widebody fleet. The order was originally split between five A330-900neos and two A350-900s, but Air Algérie dropped the A350s at the end of 2024 to standardise on the A330neo. The airline now operates five A330neos and will become the largest operator of the type in Africa.
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