For decades, Airbus has maintained a successful widebody program with its diverse range of competitive aircraft products. The A330, A340, A350, and A380 have all been successful with airline customers around the world, cementing the European aerospace firm’s position as a global aviation industry leader.
While industry titans such as Delta, Lufthansa, Emirates, and Japan Airlines have adopted several of Airbus’ widebody options, smaller airlines have also placed orders for long-haul jets.
Air Algérie, one of these less popular carriers, ordered seven Airbus A330neos and A350-1000s in June 2023. However, a recent announcement indicated that the airline has changed its order book.
Air Algérie ditches the A350-1000
According to Aero Telegraph, Air Algerie has canceled its order for the Airbus A350 in December 2024. Despite the cancellation, the carrier will eventually get more aircraft than originally expected.
After canceling the purchase for two Airbus A350-1000s, the airline requested three additional Airbus A330-900s to make up for the canceled aircraft. This means that the airline will receive eight re-engined Airbus A330 aircraft in total.
These aircraft were ordered to help the airline expand as it sought new markets to serve from Algeria, such as London Gatwick and New York City. It would also help the carrier enhance timeliness and redesign its customer experience in order to retain more passengers. The first of these new planes is planned in 2025.
Aside from the Airbus deal, Air Algérie is also waiting for narrowbody aircraft from American manufacturer Boeing. The airline has eight Boeing 737 MAX planes on order. These contemporary, more fuel-efficient aircraft will help the airline replace its current fleet of Boeing 737s, which are utilized for shorter itineraries.
Air Algérie’s initial Airbus order
Air Algérie’s initial order for new Airbus planes was a promising milestone for the Algerian national carrier. According to Airbus, the airline has purchased five A330-900neos and two A350-1000s. Both of these jets use cutting-edge technology, making them appealing to airlines eager to upgrade their fleets, but they serve quite different objectives.
The A330neo series is Airbus’ most recent incarnation of the A330, which has proven to be a very popular and widely used workhorse among airlines running long-haul flights. It was originally intended to compete with Boeing’s 767, which has a relatively modest capacity for a widebody airliner but a longer range capable of crossing oceans.
When Boeing introduced the high-range, lower-capacity 787 Dreamliner, Airbus responded by reengineering the A330 to keep it competitive. The end outcome was the A330neo family. The modified aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, with the larger A330-900 type reaching a range of 7,200 nautical miles (13,334 kilometers).
Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 series is the manufacturer’s most recent clean-sheet design. The aircraft, which is commonly thought to compete with Boeing’s 777 series, is meant to transport a huge number of passengers across long distances.
The aircraft family employs the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine, the most fuel-efficient widebody aircraft engine ever deployed. This allows it to have a range of 8,700 nautical miles (16,100 kilometers).
Despite the cancellation of Air Algérie’s purchase, the A350 program has been immensely successful. The program has garnered over 1,000 orders from over 50 clients worldwide, and the aircraft has become the norm on many long-haul routes.
Air Algérie’s current fleet additions
Air Algérie has been encountering challenges with its fleet planning. According to Algerie Direct, some of its fleet has experienced malfunctions, making it difficult to maintain the airline’s former level of service. While it waits for new deliveries from Airbus and Boeing, the airline has resorted to chartering additional planes to keep its timetable.
Eight additional charter aircraft will temporarily join Air Algérie’s fleet, three of which have already arrived. Meanwhile, a fourth aircraft, an Airbus widebody jet, is expected to arrive on January 15, 2025. Two other aircraft will be delivered before February 2025, with the final two arriving in June of this year.
FAQ
Why did Air Algérie cancel its order for two Airbus A350-1000s?
Air Algérie canceled the order for the Airbus A350-1000s due to operational and fleet strategy reasons, as the airline decided to focus more on the A330neo family, which better suits its route network and passenger capacity needs.
How many Airbus A330-900s has Air Algérie ordered?
Air Algérie has ordered a total of five Airbus A330-900s, including the three additional aircraft from this recent order.
What are the advantages of the Airbus A330-900 for Air Algérie?
The Airbus A330-900 offers fuel efficiency, improved passenger comfort, and a range suitable for medium to long-haul routes, making it a more versatile option for Air Algérie’s fleet.
When will Air Algérie receive the new Airbus A330-900s?
While exact delivery dates have not been disclosed, the new Airbus A330-900s are expected to be delivered starting in 2025, aligning with the airline’s fleet renewal plan.
How will this order impact Air Algérie’s operations?
The addition of new A330-900s will enhance Air Algérie’s operational efficiency, expand its capacity on international routes, and improve overall passenger experience.
