Algeria’s national carrier, Air Algérie, has ordered 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft as part of a broader push to modernise its fleet and expand its network, the airline said on Thursday.

The deal, announced in a company statement cited by state news agency APS, comes as the North African country looks to strengthen its civil aviation sector and improve connectivity across domestic and international markets. Financial details of the order were not disclosed.

Air Algérie said five of the aircraft are expected to be delivered from July 2026, with the remaining five scheduled for 2027.

The airline said the acquisition is aimed at improving passenger experience, increasing capacity and supporting its growth strategy.

It added that the move would help it keep pace with global aviation trends and strengthen its competitiveness.

The order builds on a wider fleet renewal programme already underway. Air Algérie has previously ordered 10 Airbus A330-900neo wide-body aircraft, three of which have been delivered, and eight Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets expected from 2027.

It has also ordered 16 ATR 72 turboprop aircraft for its domestic subsidiary to improve regional connectivity within Algeria.

The expansion comes at a time when African airlines are ramping up capacity to capture rising travel demand, driven by population growth, urbanisation and recovering tourism flows.

However, the sector continues to face challenges including high operating costs, limited infrastructure and currency pressures in some markets.

Air Algérie aims to carry 9.8 million passengers in 2026, up from 8.8 million in 2025, as it scales operations and adds new routes. 

Source: Reuters/Business Insider Africa